Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
- url
- Link to the original release on the member's official site
- text
- Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
- has_text
- 1 if body text was successfully extracted
- date_source
- How the publication date was determined
- bioguide_id
- Bioguide ID of the member
340 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "SD" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending
This data as json, CSV (advanced)
| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7B26D4FE-4F29-4B6B-8AD5-199840F776FA | Thune, McClain Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect Toddlers From Federal Mandates | 2021-12-16 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) today introduced the Preventing Mandates on Toddlers Act. This bicameral legislation would nullify an interim final rule (IFR) that was published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that requires universal masking for all individuals in a Head Start facility above the age of two, including all staff, volunteers, and contractors. The IFR also requires toddlers to wear masks while they are outside on the playground, and it mandates staff and volunteers to be vaccinated by January 31, 2022. “The long arm of the federal government should not extend to the kickball field at our kids’ and grandkids’ playground,” said Thune. “A toddler mask mandate highlights everything that’s wrong with Washington, which is why I introduced this common-sense bill that would prohibit the Biden administration from enforcing or implementing this intrusive, one-size-fits-all Washington rule. It would ensure these decisions can continue to be made by individual Head Start programs and families who know these kids best – as they have been doing since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.” “The science shows masking is detrimental to early child development. It’s time we start following the science, not the political science, and put policies into place that are beneficial to our toddlers and children,” said McClain. “This commonsense legislation ensures not a single dollar of taxpayer money will go to enforcing the HHS rule that is detrimental to our future generations.” “South Dakota Head Start programs have successfully implemented appropriate COVID-19 mitigation strategies, and the majority have been open and safely functioning since June 2020,” said Katie Sieverding, executive director of South Dakota Head Start Association. “We thank Senator Thune for his work to protect our children and families from blanket masking mandates and keep these important decisions at the local level where they are best made.” This legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Sen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7D725F3A-9221-4ECB-B4C7-DC861CA961BE | As Inflation Soars, Thune, Boozman Lead Colleagues in Standing up for Farmers and Ranchers | 2021-12-16 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and John Boozman (R-Ark.), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, this week led several of their colleagues in urging federal financial regulators to provide community banks, credit unions, and Farm Credit institutions with the regulatory flexibility they need to responsibly work with their agriculture clients as the profit margins of farmers and ranchers shrink from higher input costs. The senators are also requesting that federal financial regulators monitor how inflation and inflationary-related pressures are affecting the agriculture industry and, in turn, the community financial institutions that serve it. “The destructive impact of inflation has already affected individuals, families, and businesses across the nation, and no one is immune from these price increases,” the senators wrote. “Caused in large part by an unprecedented increase in federal government spending, in addition to supply chain bottlenecks, these higher prices are not just increasing grocery bills and home heating costs, but they are also raising costs on businesses, including on our nation’s farmers and ranchers.” The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Full letter below: The Honorable Jerome Powell The Honorable Jelena McWilliams Chairman Chairman Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 20th Street and Constitution Avenue Northwest 550 17th Street Northwest Washington, D.C. 20551 Washington, D.C. 20429 The Honorable Michael Hsu The Honorable Todd Harper Acting Comptroller of the Currency Chairman Office of the Comptroller of the Currency National Credit Union Administration 400 7th Street Southwest 1775 Duke Street Washington, D.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E36AC76F-CCC9-4A83-9207-1BCB700CF120 | Thune: Reckless Tax-and-Spending Spree Highlights Democrats’ Big-Government Vision for the Future | 2021-12-16 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the radical proposals in the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree highlight the massive difference between the two parties when it comes to their vision for the future of America. Thune noted that preserving liberty is a fundamental purpose of government, and the Democrats’ policies would transfer some of Americans’ decision-making power over to politicians and Washington bureaucrats. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, Democrats’ push to pass their tax-and-spending spree continues to throw into sharp relief the difference between Republicans’ and Democrats’ vision of government. “And it’s about a lot more than just the amount of money we want to spend. “Of course the amount of money we’re spending matters. “But it’s also about what that money represents. “In general, more money means more government. “And more government usually means less freedom. “And Republicans don’t oppose Democrats’ tax-and-spending spree just because it would cost a lot of money, or drive up our national debt. “It would do both of those things, of course, with negative consequences for our economy and the prosperity of American families. “And the negative economic consequences alone are sufficient reason to oppose Democrats’ Build Back Bankrupt plan. “But it’s about a lot more than the excessive spending. “With their Build Back Bankrupt plan, Democrats envision a society in which government is intimately involved in nearly every aspect of Americans’ life – from, to quote a New York Times article, ‘cradle to grave.’ “And that’s not a vision Republicans share. “Primarily because a government that is intimately involved in nearly every aspect of your life is a government that is going to exert control over your life. “More government inevitably means more government control. “Take Democrats’ child care plan in their Build Back Better legislation. “To hear Democrats talk about it, you might think this plan involves nothing more than cutting … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-ndaa-including-rounds-south-dakota-priorities | Senate Passes NDAA, Including Rounds’ South Dakota Priorities | 2021-12-15 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON– U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and ranking Republican member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, today issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. It now heads to the president’s desk for signature. “This year’s NDAA includes many wins for South Dakota – including victories for Ellsworth Air Force Base, Dakota State University and Raven Aerostar,” said Rounds. “Additionally, a lot of work has been done to remove radical pieces of legislation – like red flag laws and selective service requirements for women – that were included in the House version of this bill. Providing our troops with the tools they need to complete their missions fulfills one of our most fundamental duties: to provide for our national defense.” Earlier today on the Senate floor, Senate Armed Services Ranking Member Jim Inhofe noted Rounds expertise on cybersecurity. “We have…not just experts on the outside,” said Inhofe. “Senator Mike Rounds probably knows more about cybersecurity than any of the advisors that are out there.” South Dakota Wins Included: Authorizes the following construction at Ellsworth Air Force Base: - $41M for B-21 2-Bay Low Observable Restoration Facility. - $24M for B-21 Addition/Alteration to the Existing Flight Simulator. - $47M for B–21 Field Training Detachment Facility. - $70M for B–21 Formal Training Unit/Aircraft Maintenance Unit. - $36M for B–21 Mission Operations Planning Facility. - $65M for B–21 Wash Rack & Maintenance Hangar. $2.87 billion for continued B-21 development. Strengthened the university cyber consortium of academic institutions which are designated as Cyber Centers of Academic Excellence, including Dakota State University. Authorized $6.5 million for stratospheric balloon research. Directly impacts a successful manufacturer based in Sioux Falls, SD, Raven Aerostar which develops and deploys stratospheric balloon technology. Authorizes $9.8 mi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=80DDCE38-5243-48CF-993D-1660E77CF464 | Thune Applauds Senate Passage of Annual Defense Bill, Ellsworth Funding | 2021-12-15 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Clickhere to watch the video. U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today applauded the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2022. Thune noted that the bill contains numerous priorities that benefit South Dakota and the future B-21 bomber mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base. NDAA priorities for South Dakota include: $2.87 billion for B-21 development $47 million for a B-21 Field Training Detachment Facility $36 million for a B-21 Mission Operations Planning Facility $65 million for a B-21 Washrack and Maintenance Hangar $24 million for a B-21 additions to the flight simulator facility $70 million for a B-21 Formal Training Unit/Aircraft Maintenance Unit $41 million for a B-21 two-bay Low-Observable Restoration Facility $9.8 million for an F-16 Mission Training Center at Joe Foss Field $15 million for a South Dakota Guard Readiness Center in Sioux Falls Preservation of B-1 maintenance and operational squadrons through at least fiscal year 2023 or until their replacement by B-21 units Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, I am pleased that today we will finally move to a vote on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. “Thanks to Democrats’ focus on their reckless Build Back Better tax-and-spending spree, consideration of the NDAA – one of the most important bills we consider every year – was delayed for months. “And of course once we finally got onto the bill, Democrats rushed the process. “Senators of both parties filed a total of 1,000 amendments on this bill, but not one of those amendments received a vote on the Senate floor. “But at least we’re finally here, set to pass this critical legislation. “And I am pleased that Republicans were able to strengthen this bill in committee and in the so-called pre-conference negotiations. “This includes removing troublesome provisions like “red flag” laws that would summarily suspend the Second Amendment rights of our men and women in uniform. “Thanks in large part to Republic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1153CDC3-77C3-4C1F-A718-7843F7FF364C | Thune: Democrats Double Down on Failed Policies That Have Created Record-High Inflation | 2021-12-14 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the Democrats’ plan to double down on their failed policies and pass their reckless tax-and-spending spree would worsen the already record-high inflation and continue to hurt families in South Dakota. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, the latest inflation numbers came out on Friday, and the news was not good. “Inflation is currently at its highest level in nearly 40 years. “40 years. “The last time inflation was this bad, E.T. and Rocky III were in theaters, and the Packers were being coached by Bart Starr. “Mr. President, high inflation is taking a major toll on American families. “Gas prices are at a seven-year high. “The price of used cars and trucks is up 31 percent. “31 percent. “Propane, kerosene, and firewood are up 34 percent. “Food prices have increased significantly. “Ground beef is up 14 percent. “Apples are up 7.4 percent. “Pork is up 17 percent. “Eggs are up 8 percent. “Baby food is up 6.7 percent. “Bacon and related products are up 21 percent. “And the list continues. “Mr. President, rent prices are up. “Utility prices are up. “Furniture prices are up. “And on and on. “Inflation is so bad that despite wage growth this year, Americans have seen a de facto pay cut, with real average hourly earnings down 1.9 percent for the year. “Mr. President, inflation is what happens when you have too many dollars chasing too few goods and services. “And a big reason for our current inflation situation is Democrats’ decision to pour a lot of unnecessary government money into the economy earlier this year – despite being warned that their partisan $1.9 trillion ‘American Rescue Plan’ spending spree could stoke inflation. “And you don’t have to take my word for it. “Here’s what former Obama economic adviser Jason Furman had to say recently when discussing our inflation problem: ‘The original sin was an oversized American Rescue Plan. It contributed to both higher output but also higher prices.’ “That quote fr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A24CCD99-391D-4F8F-8186-5270884D0593 | Thune, Smith, Rounds, Tester Introduce Legislation to Encourage Homeownership Across Indian Country | 2021-12-14 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) today introduced the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act. This bipartisan legislation would create statutory timelines in which the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) would be required to process and approve mortgages involving property located on tribal trust land. Additionally, it would enhance the ability of certain federal agencies to operate their tribal housing programs and improve communication between the BIA and tribes, tribal members, and lenders through the establishment of a realty ombudsman within the BIA who can communicate with relevant parties. “Affordable housing opportunities on tribal trust land can be hard to come by in South Dakota and across the nation, due in part to the BIA’s challenging mortgage approval process, which can complicate lenders’ ability to provide financing and participate in federal tribal housing programs,” said Thune. “My bipartisan legislation would expedite this mortgage approval process and encourage more lenders to provide mortgages across Indian Country, which would, in turn, expand tribal members’ opportunities for homeownership.” “Without a safe, affordable place to live, nothing in your life works,” said Smith. “The Indian Home Loan Guarantee program is a key federal tool to help Native families buy a home, but for too long, the program has been plagued by bureaucratic delays that have left families waiting months to complete home purchases, especially on Tribal trust lands. Our bipartisan legislation seeks to cut through the red tape and help Native homebuyers acquire homes in a timely manner.” “As a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I strongly support this legislation that benefits home and business ownership opportunities for tribal members,” said Rounds. “This bill is a product of many discussions with tribal entities, lenders and the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition. The Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act will hold the BIA accountabl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D63BBE7C-0452-4E29-82C3-B2CA9036F979 | Thune, Smith Bill to Provide Financial Stability to Federally Impacted School Districts Unanimously Passes Senate | 2021-12-14 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) today issued the following statements after the Senate unanimously passed their Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act last night. This bipartisan legislation would allow school districts that participate in the Impact Aid Program to use previously reported student headcounts on their Impact Aid applications for the 2022-2023 school year due to ongoing, yet temporary, enrollment fluctuations stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s critical for school districts in South Dakota that participate in the Impact Aid Program to have the funding stability and certainty they need,” said Thune. “I’m glad the Senate unanimously passed this important legislation to help ensure these schools have the necessary resources for next school year.” “As the pandemic continues to hit many Minnesota school districts hard, it’s important that districts receiving Impact Aid maintain reliable, stable funding so students can keep learning,” said Smith. “I’m glad we could once again deliver on this and ensure that while the pandemic continues to affect school operations, our Impact Aid districts won’t have to recalculate their student headcounts.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-nominations-for-us-service-academies-for-2022-2023-school-year | Rounds Announces Nominations for U.S. Service Academies for 2022-2023 School Year | 2021-12-09 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he has nominated three students for appointments to the nation’s service academies. Rounds nominated Luke Jegeris of Rapid City as his principal nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; Aiden Kasten of Brandon as his principal nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis; and John Costello of Sioux Falls as his principal nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. “It’s a privilege to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “The U.S. service academies are among the most elite educational institutions in the world. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will courageously serve our country as active-duty military members. We’re proud of Luke, Aiden and John for their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation.” “I am blessed to be receiving a principal nomination to the United States Military Academy from Senator Mike Rounds,” said Luke Jegeris. “It has always been my dream to have an occupation where I am in a position to serve others. Serving in the Army will grant me this opportunity, and will allow me to be part of a team that strives for perfection.” "Receiving a nomination from Senator Rounds is a great honor to me and my family,” said Aiden Kasten. “My grandfather served our country during Vietnam and inspired me to pursue a military career path. Going to the United States Naval Academy and becoming a commissioned officer would truly make my country and grandpa proud." “To me, serving in the armed forces is about contributing to a higher purpose in life,” said John Costello. “Defending our country through service in the Air Force is a part of my desire to put service before self." Each year, Sen. Rounds nominates South Dakota students to the U.S. service academies. Each academy then gives full and fair consideration to these nominations when selecting applicants. Students interested in attending a service academy go through a rigorou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0E345A0F-FC75-43A1-A9E9-E3B5F38FD057 | Thune, Luján Lead Fight For Cattle Producers, Demand Halt of Brazilian Fresh Beef Imports | 2021-12-09 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today led a bipartisan group of senators in expressing support for the cattle industry’s recent requests for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to immediately suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil. In 2017, Brazilian fresh beef imports were suspended due to food safety concerns, and USDA allowed these imports to resume in 2020. The senators are concerned with Brazil’s recent failure to quickly disclose two cases of atypical spongiform encephalopathy – a neurological disease of cattle – which could pose a significant threat to the health and safety of the U.S. cattle herd. “Cattle producers across the country work hard to produce the highest quality beef in the world,” the senators wrote. “This industry should not be jeopardized by Brazilian beef imports that may contaminate U.S. herds and our food supply. We support the requests to suspend Brazilian fresh beef imports until a thorough investigation can be made into Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply food safety review process.” In February 2020, Thune led a bipartisan group of his colleagues in sending a letter to USDA questioning the department’s decision to lift the U.S. ban on Brazilian beef imports. This letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). Full letter below: The Honorable Tom Vilsack Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C., 20250 Dear Secretary Vilsack: We write to express support for the cattle industry’s recent requests for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to immediately suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil. As you know, b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B13808AF-6156-4553-86BD-0DF5ECB1F2BB | Thune Questions Industry Experts on Big Tech’s Use of Persuasive Technology and Secret Algorithms | 2021-12-09 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today questioned industry experts on technology companies’ use of algorithms and artificial intelligence at a subcommittee hearing titled, “Disrupting Dangerous Algorithms: Addressing the Harms of Persuasive Technology.” Yesterday, Thune questioned Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, about the company’s use of secret algorithms that work to keep users on their platform for a longer period of time. Thune also pressed Instagram on giving consumers more options, and in response, Instagram announced it would provide users with the ability to select a feed displayed in chronological order on its platform. At both hearings, Thune expressed deep concern about social media platforms’ use of persuasive technology and their ability to manipulate users’ experience while online. Thune highlighted two bills he reintroduced earlier this year: the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency (PACT) Act and the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, which would help increase transparency for consumers and accountability for big tech. Thune recently questioned representatives from TikTok, Snap Inc., and YouTube about social media platforms’ ability to manipulate users’ experience through algorithms. Thune also questioned Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen about the dangers of big tech’s use of algorithms. Thune’s opening remarks below (as submitted to the hearing record): “Thank you, Chairman Lujan. “In 2019, six months before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I served as chairman of this subcommittee, and convened a hearing on the use of algorithms and persuasive technology on internet platforms. “During that hearing, I noted that former Google Executive Chairman, Eric Schmidt, once said modern technology platforms “are even more powerful than most people realize, and our future will be profoundly altered by their adoption and successfulness in societies everywhere.” “Now we are near the end of 2021, and it seems… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E277E1BE-7E4C-4723-B394-191EDDDA3C09 | Thune: Democrats Move to Double the Size of the IRS, Jeopardize Taxpayers’ Privacy | 2021-12-09 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the Democrats’ desire to double the size of the Internal Revenue Servicein order to pay for their reckless tax-and-spending spree. Thune noted that the agency’s poor reputation and mismanagement of taxpayer dollars would further jeopardize the privacy of South Dakotans’ personal information. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, the one thing you can say for Democrats’ so-called Build Back Better plan is that it provides a never-ending supply of bad proposals to talk about. “And the bad Build Back Better measure I want to discuss today is Democrats’ plan to double the size of the IRS. “Yes. “Double the size of the IRS. “Mr. President, the IRS is not exactly the most popular government agency. “And with good reason. “The agency has gained for itself a reputation for poor taxpayer service and, most seriously, for mishandling the confidential taxpayer information it has access to. “In fact, the IRS was subject to a massive leak or hack of private taxpayer information mere months ago – information that somehow ended up in the hands of advocates at ProPublica. “And neither Treasury nor the IRS has provided meaningful follow-up about the data breach, much less any accountability. “For months, Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee have pressed the administration for details about the breach of private taxpayer information. “I would have hoped that my friends on the other side of the aisle would have shown similar concern for taxpayers’ privacy. “And who could forget the IRS scandal during the Obama administration, when the IRS targeted a number of organizations based on their political beliefs. “Mr. President, those are two notorious examples of IRS misconduct. “But there are plenty of others. “The Treasury inspector general for tax administration has repeatedly found instances of IRS agents violating taxpayer rights. “And then there’s the agency’s record of irresponsibility or incompetence – or both. “Losing track of lapto… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4A772C47-A2CA-496A-902D-93331BF73BF7 | Thune: South Dakotans Pay the Price at the Pump Amid Biden’s Energy Crisis | 2021-12-08 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called out the Biden administration for its egregious energy policies that are stifling American energy development through out-of-touch and overly burdensome regulations. Thune noted that the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree would further drive up energy prices for South Dakota families and make energy less reliable. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, Americans are currently dealing with the worst inflation in more than 30 years. “High grocery prices, high rent prices, high gas prices, high car prices, increases in the price of household goods … the list goes on. “Inflation is so bad that it has outstripped wage growth, resulting in a de facto pay cut for many Americans. “Mr. President, one of the price hikes hitting Americans hard is the increase in the price of gas. “Gas prices have risen 40 percent since President Biden took office. “40 percent. “That takes a tremendous toll on family budgets. “And of course high gas prices and other energy costs contribute to price increases on a whole host of other goods. “Manufacturers facing higher transportation costs thanks to high gas prices, for example, are likely to pass on at least some of those increased costs to consumers in the form of price hikes. “In my home state of South Dakota, families are facing an increase in home heating costs as high as 50 to 100 percent, depending on how severe of a winter we face. “Nationwide, concerns over high heating costs this winter have been tempered by mild weather so far, but predictions of huge home energy bills could return with a period of sustained harsh weather. “And that would be another financial blow for families whose budgets are already severely stretched by our current inflation crisis. “It’s easy for, say, a wealthy Democrat politician to dismiss the consequences of inflation, but for families living paycheck to paycheck, an increase in the grocery bill or heating costs or the cost of a tank of gas can mean tough decisions –… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=599BE2E4-5980-420F-B68D-EA7077EF00C1 | Thune, Markey Introduce Bill to Support Efforts to Crack Down on Illegal Robocall Scams | 2021-12-08 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), authors of the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act and members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced the Robocall Trace Back Enhancement Act, which would help bolster privately led efforts to trace back the origins of illegal and bothersome robocalls. Thune and Markey have long advocated for consumer rights and protection from illegal robocalls and for holding scammers and other bad actors accountable. “Robocall scams are designed to intentionally prey on vulnerable individuals,” said Thune. “In 2019, Congress passed my TRACED Act to help address unwanted and illegal robocalls, and the bipartisan legislation we’re introducing today would build on those efforts by supporting privately led efforts to trace back and identify the origins of the calls. We must continue to hold these bad actors accountable, and I thank Sen. Markey for his continued support and leadership on this effort.” “When Senator Thune and I passed the TRACED Act, our goal was simple: stop the scourge of robocalls plaguing Americans. Our law is already having an impact stopping illegal robocalls by blocking fraudulent calls before our cell phones even ring,” said Markey. “The Robocall Trace Back Enhancement Act is a natural extension of the TRACED Act. This legislation makes it easier to root out bad actors who illegally robocall countless phone numbers by promoting public accountability among, and aggressive action against, those responsible for illegal, fraudulent, and abusive robocalls. I am proud to partner with Senator Thune as we make it clear that there are no blue robocalls or red robocalls – there are only despised robocalls.” On January 17, 2019, Thune and Markey introduced the TRACED Act, legislation to combat the rise of illegal robocalls. It was enacted in December 2019 and, among other things, required the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate an entity to conduct privately led e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7C3E31A8-2E6E-46FF-BACF-F0E2F67B1285 | Thune, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Ban ‘Dark Patterns’ | 2021-12-08 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today re-introduced the Deceptive Experiences to Online Users Reduction (DETOUR) Act to prohibit large online platforms from using deceptive user interfaces, known as “dark patterns,” to trick consumers into handing over their personal data. The DETOUR Act would also prohibit these platforms from using features that result in compulsive usage by children. “We live in an environment where large online operators often deploy manipulative practices or ‘dark patterns’ to obtain consent to collect user data,” said Thune. “This bipartisan legislation would create a path forward to strengthen consumer transparency by holding large online operators accountable when they subject their users to behavioral or psychological research for the purpose of promoting engagement on their platforms.” The term “dark patterns” is used to describe online interfaces in websites and apps designed to intentionally manipulate users into taking actions they would otherwise not. These design tactics, drawn from extensive behavioral psychology research, are frequently used by social media platforms to mislead consumers into agreeing to settings and practices advantageous to the company. The Deceptive Experiences To Online Users Reduction (DETOUR) Act aims to curb manipulative behavior by prohibiting the largest online platforms (those with over 100 million monthly active users) from relying on user interfaces that intentionally impair user autonomy, decision-making, or choice. The legislation: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=94BC5B55-6A0F-484A-8F2B-6C5E02F1EF63 | Senate Vote Will Highlight Bipartisan Opposition to Biden’s Overreaching Federal Vaccine Mandate | 2021-12-08 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke out against President Biden’s overbearing federal vaccine mandate on American workers and businesses. Thune stressed that this mandate is not the proper role of the federal government and that there will be a bipartisan Senate vote to overturn the mandate later today. Thune’s remarks below: “I think sometimes, you know, issues come into clear view that really illustrate the choice between big government and individual freedom. And this issue probably does that better than anything. “Now, when Democrats gain power, which they have now in Washington, D.C., they have the whole of government, they have the House, the Senate, and the White House, what typically happens is they want to grow and expand government, the reach of government into people's lives. We've seen that, it's evidenced in the reckless tax-and-spending spree bill that we're talking about, they're talking about, right now. It’s evidenced in their attempt to take over elections in this country from states. “It is this inertia that the Democrats have when they gain power to try and grow and expand government. And in this particular case, they really have gone too far. “And I say that as somebody who, like some of my colleagues, is pro-vaccine. I've been vaccinated, I encourage people to get vaccinated, but I don't believe that that's something that the federal government can mandate for businesses around this country. And we're going to have an opportunity on the floor of the United States [Senate] to overturn this mandate and to express our support for American businesses and American workers. “Because in the end, you've heard this, and I've heard it. I've seen it my state, I've talked to constituents who have are dealing with this on a daily basis. They are extremely concerned about the impact this will have on an already stretched and strapped workforce around this country. “This is not something that the federal government should be interfering with when it comes to the choices made by the American pe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-submits-comment-to-protect-integrity-of-meat-and-poultry-product-labeling-standards | Rounds Submits Comment to Protect Integrity of Meat and Poultry Product Labeling Standards | 2021-12-07 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) submitted a comment to the proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) rulemaking that could allow terms such as “meat”, “steak” or “poultry” to be used on foods that are artificially produced. Rounds argues allowing these terms to be used on lab grown food products is confusing and misleading to consumers, and puts ranchers and farmers’ reputations and livelihoods at risk. In his comment, Rounds urged the USDA to provide transparency and accuracy in its labeling of cell cultured foods. In his comment to the USDA, Rounds writes, “Simply put, lab grown food products are not equivalent to meat and poultry products born, raised and harvested in the traditional manner. Pursuant to applicable federal laws, the FSIS should promulgate clear, accurate and fair regulations governing the labeling of these cell cultured foods so they cannot be confused with traditional meat and poultry products.” Rounds continues, “As public servants, we can never forget our solemn responsibility to assist – not harm – those that we have been called to serve. We must remember that regulatory decisions can have far reaching consequences not only for America’s farm and ranch families but for consumers and the entire economy.” Read Rounds’ comment to the USDA by clicking here. Background: Since he was elected to the Senate, Sen. Rounds has led numerous efforts to provide solutions to the problems faced by independent cattle producers and beef consumers. Most recently, he: Introduced the USA Beef Act to limit the use of the “Product of USA” label only to beef products that are born, raised and slaughtered in the United States. Current USDA rules allow for foreign beef raised in other countries to receive this label. This bill outlaws this current practice and restores integrity to a currently misleading, but ultimately valuable tool for consumers and cattle producers. Submitted a comment in opposition of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Cen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4F46D115-AE02-4DA0-A8F6-0DFF58917ABD | Thune Honors Two Members of the Greatest Generation: South Dakotan Marcella LeBeau and Former Senator Bob Dole | 2021-12-07 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the passing of World War II veteran and South Dakota native Marcella LeBeau and former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.), who will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, December 9. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, before I begin, I want to take a few minutes to honor two members of the Greatest Generation we’ve lost recently – Marcella LeBeau and Bob Dole. “Marcella LeBeau died on Sunday, November 21. “She was from my home state of South Dakota and a member of the Two Kettle Band of the Cheyenne River Sioux who served in the Army Nurse Corps during World War II, including time on the front lines treating the wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. “She was decorated by both France and Belgium for her service. “After the war, she returned to South Dakota, spending 31 years working for the Indian Health Service, including as director of nursing, while raising eight children. “She was a powerful advocate for Native Americans throughout her life, and was a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Council for four years and a founding member of the North American Indian Women’s Association. “Even in retirement, Marcella continued to advocate for Native Americans – and also found time to open a quilting shop with her granddaughter, featuring, among other things, the Lakota star quilt, used for honoring and naming ceremonies, memorials, and various life achievements. “Earlier in November, she traveled to Oklahoma to attend the ceremony for her induction into the National Native American Hall of Fame. “Mr. President, Bob Dole died on Sunday. “Bob served as an officer in the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. “Late in the war, he was seriously wounded in action during an attempt to rescue a fellow soldier, and he bore the resulting injuries for the rest of his life. “Forced by his wounds to abandon his plans to be a surgeon, he quickly found another way to help his fellow Americans: “Public servic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9E6CAA54-1629-4861-8CF6-3E4A855F2767 | Thune: Democrats Give Millionaires Massive Tax Breaks, Working Families Left in the Dust | 2021-12-07 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the massive tax breaks for millionaires in the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree. Thune noted that middle-income, working families would be forced to fund the Democrats’ radical bill that would significantly expand the role of the federal government into their daily lives. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, Democrats continue to work on their reckless tax-and-spending spree … or perhaps I should say their reckless tax-and-spending disaster. “Tax hikes, deficit spending, inflationary spending … it’s all there in Democrats’ spending package. “Plus, of course, that tax break for wealthy Americans. “Yes, you heard me right. “A tax break for millionaires. “I’m talking, of course, about Democrats’ expansion of the state and local tax deduction – known as the SALT deduction – which would overwhelmingly benefit affluent taxpayers in mainly Democrat-led states, and do almost nothing for middle- and lower-income families. “Mr. President, for months and months Democrats have been going on about the need for the wealthy to pay their “fair share” of taxes. “Which is why I find it the height of irony that Democrats’ current bill contains a substantial tax break for wealthy Americans. “I’m not surprised that Democrats kept SALT out of the Ways and Means Committee markup. “After constantly talking about making the wealthy pay their “fair share,” it’s a little awkward to publicly debate your tax break for the wealthy. “Instead, Democrats stuffed the tax break into their reconciliation bill under the subtitle of – of all things – ‘Social Safety Net.’ “Yes. “Social safety net. “Who benefits from this particular ‘safety net,’ exactly? “About 94 percent of the tax benefit would go to the top 20 percent of earners. “About 70 percent would go to the top 5 percent of earners. “And nearly one-third of the tax benefit would go to the top 1 percent of households. “The average tax savings for middle-income households from raising the SAL… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/guest-column-helping-veterans-is-the-right-thing-to-do | Guest Column: Helping Veterans is the Right Thing to Do | 2021-12-06 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | This guest column is written by Mike Bekaert. Mike is the Director of In-State Military and Veteran Affairs for U.S. Senator Mike Rounds. Mike served 30 years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. He graduated from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy and retired from the South Dakota National Guard as the sixth State Command Sergeant Major. I often tell people I am living the dream and I have one of the best jobs in the world. For 30 years I served in the military and now I spend my days trying to help the men and women who served beside me, the veterans I never met and the families of veterans who are unable to advocate for themselves. I am humbled to be the boots on the ground for more than 72,000 veterans that call South Dakota home. And I am honored to work for a Senator who cares so deeply about our veterans. In 2021, approximately 25 percent of the inquiries we received in our office were from veterans. Some needed help scheduling appointments through the VA, some needed help deciphering the medical bills they were receiving and others needed help retrieving their military records. While on the surface these may sound like simple requests, for anyone who has had to wade through the bureaucracy of some federal agencies, you know that each request can bring its own set of challenges. Thankfully, I’m not alone. We have a team of constituent service representatives who serve the people of South Dakota. It’s a tough job that requires a lot of persistence and compassion. Let me give you a couple of examples of the challenges we face on a daily basis. Our office worked with one Korean War veteran who did not have a copy of his military medical records. During his time in service, he sustained injuries that put him in the hospital in Japan, Hawaii and Denver, yet he was unable to use VA services because his records were lost. This man had been injured defending his country – and all of us – but he was unable to get the medical care he needed. Long story short, we were able to locate the records and not … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=00DE0D92-9B93-4F9D-A7E0-94506907EF64 | Thune to Oppose Rosenworcel as FCC Chair | 2021-12-06 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today released the following statement in opposition to the nomination of Jessica Rosenworcel to serve a new five-year term beginning July 1, 2020 and as chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). “I’ve said for years that the internet should remain open and free, and any attempt by the FCC to use Title II to create net neutrality restrictions would turn it into a government-regulated utility and stifle our nation’s dynamic and robust e-commerce sector,” said Thune. “During her nomination hearing, Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel reiterated her position that the FCC should reinstate Obama-era net neutrality regulations, which will once again lead to legal and marketplace uncertainty. For that reason, I oppose her nomination.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-questions-va-secretary-mcdonough-on-implementation-of-mission-act | Rounds Questions VA Secretary McDonough on Implementation of MISSION Act | 2021-12-04 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON —U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) released the following statement after a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing on Wednesday where he questioned VA Secretary Denis McDonough on claims the VA’s Care In The Community administrators are purposely limiting a Veteran’s ability to seek care from a local healthcare provider. “The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is changing its existing referral process by implementing the Referral Coordination Initiative (RCI). According to the VHA’s RCI guidebook, this initiative “shifts the referral responsibility from providers to Referral Coordination Teams (RCTs) which include clinical and administrative staff.” said Rounds. A recent USA Today news investigation published on November 1, 2021, shows a disturbing trend of VA administrators overruling decisions made between veterans and their providers to seek care in the community. The article states: “A review of thousands of pages of department manuals and medical records, along with interviews with dozens of patients, advocates and providers, shows that VA administrators are overruling doctors’ judgments and preventing them from sending their patients outside the VA health care system.” “I think it goes back down to dollars and cents,” said Rounds. “I have concerns that these examples are not isolated and that they could be the result of the implementation of the RCI in a way that diminishes a veteran’s ability to receive care from a local healthcare provider.” To watch the full exchange, please visit: https://youtu.be/x9P6szNOJHE If you or a family member are being restricted by the VA from using the Care in the Community Benefit you’ve earned, please contact one of our local offices. We can be reached toll free at 844-875-5268 or by sending an email through our website rounds.senate.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F5AF9EF3-6F1A-438B-BBF6-9FE8B04F9C54 | Thune, Stabenow Applaud USDA’s Announcement to Give Producers More Flexibility on Prevented Plant Acres | 2021-12-03 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency for implementing their recommendation to remove the arbitrary November 1 restriction for harvesting or grazing cover crops on prevented plant acres, which will give greater flexibility to producers in northern areas of the United States. “I have been a staunch advocate for this common-sense change for years, and I’m glad to see USDA is implementing our recommendation to remove the November 1 restriction,” said Thune. “It’s imperative for Congress and this administration to support producers who use cover crops by working to remove arbitrary barriers in order to ensure their success.” “With this update, USDA will encourage more cover cropping by making sure farmers don’t face a crop insurance penalty when extreme weather causes them to miss planting season,” said Stabenow. “That’s going to mean healthier soils, less erosion and better capacity to capture carbon, and it’s why Senator Thune and I called for this similar approach in the Cover Crop Flexibility Act.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F2CFFBA3-3A2E-4D8F-B6AE-78CC6F016A3A | Thune, Tester Lead Colleagues in Requesting Assistance for Livestock Producers Affected by Drought | 2021-12-01 | 2021 | 2021-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) today led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to address a gap in coverage under the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). In September, USDA announced it would provide ELAP assistance for the cost of transporting feed to livestock, but producers who are transporting their livestock to feed are not eligible for the program. “[W]e continue to hear from producers who have been severely affected by drought this year and have incurred costs related to transporting their livestock to feed sources instead of hauling feed to their livestock,” the senators wrote. “Under current regulations, these producers are not eligible for ELAP transportation assistance. We respectfully request that FSA exercise its authority to further improve ELAP by providing payments to producers for a portion of the costs they have incurred from transporting their livestock to feed sources.” The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.). Full letter below: The Honorable Zach Ducheneaux Administrator U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C., 20250 Dear Administrator Ducheneaux: As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) continues working to assist farmers and ranchers affected by this year’s widespread and devastating drought, we write to request that the agency address a gap in coverage under the Emergency Assistance… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4468FC33-9D8E-4DE1-A519-DDDE6F105F1E | Thune: We Must Stand Up For the Human Rights of Unborn Americans | 2021-11-30 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor to defend the rights of the unborn. Thune noted that Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which the U.S. Supreme Court will hear this week, is the best opportunity to overturn Roe v. Wade, but regardless of the outcome, he will continue to be a tireless advocate for the unborn. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, tomorrow the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the Dobbs case, which deals with a Mississippi law that would prohibit most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. “This case offers the best opportunity in many years to see Roe v. Wade overturned or modified – something that is long overdue. “Roe v. Wade was a bad decision that should long ago have been reversed. “Legal scholars from across the ideological spectrum have criticized the decision, noting, in the words of one expert, ‘As constitutional argument, Roe is barely coherent. The court pulled its fundamental right to choose more or less from the constitutional ether.’ “Or as another legal scholar put it, Roe is ‘a very bad decision … because it is bad constitutional law, or rather because it is not constitutional law and gives almost no sense of an obligation to try to be.’ “I should note, Mr. President, that both of the individuals I just quoted are actually supportive of abortion, but, like many others, both recognize that Roe is simply bad law. “In the Roe decision, the Supreme Court reached far beyond the Constitution and the court’s interpretive role to impose a new abortion regime on the entire country. “And it is past time for this unconstitutional decision to be overturned and for the court to return jurisdiction over abortion to the states. “And, Mr. President, it’s important to note that overturning Roe would do just that – return jurisdiction over abortion to the states and to elected officials who can be held accountable for their decisions, and ultimately to the American people. “Many assume – incorrectly – that overtur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/guest-column-be-kind-and-shop-locally | Guest Column: Be Kind and Shop Locally | 2021-11-29 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | This guest column is written by Tom Rounds. Tom, along with his wife Shelly, own four businesses in the Pierre community. He is also the brother of Senator Mike Rounds. With Christmas just weeks away, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of buying gifts. It’s easy to be excited about seeing family and friends. And it’s easy to forget to be kind to those who are working in the retail, manufacturing or service industries. As a small business owner, I know firsthand the challenges that come during the holiday season. And this year, our biggest challenge is finding employees. You’ve undoubtedly noticed the help wanted signs in hundreds of businesses across the state. It’s alarming, but what’s even more alarming is when the sign says, “Closed today due to staff shortage.” Owning a small business is hard. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 percent of businesses fail within the first year. By year five, that number jumped to 50 percent. But every year, thousands of South Dakotans embark on the American dream of owning their own business. And every year, these business owners become the new mentors and new donors for our communities. We all know shopping locally keeps more money in our economy, supports local jobs and is good for our towns. But let’s talk about what else these local businesses do for our communities. They are the people who serve as the first work mentors for our children. They take a chance on inexperienced teenagers and teach them about responsibility and work ethic. And they give your kids a paycheck so they can begin to learn fiscal responsibility. Local business owners are the first ones tapped to donate for school functions, sporting events and any other fundraiser you can think of. And most of the time, these businesses give, and they give and they give some more because they know they are supporting their community and their customers. And then when they aren’t being asked to donate, some business owners take it upon themselves to continue to find ways to help. They might do… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8C66CFA0-5A4B-46BD-A678-B05918FECAB7 | Thune, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect, Expand Rural Broadband Access | 2021-11-23 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the funding mechanisms for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF), which promotes universal access to broadband and other telecommunications services. “It is crucial that rural communities across South Dakota have access to reliable broadband services,” said Thune. “For years I have fought for predictable and sufficient support for broadband providers to help enable the continued deployment of these services throughout our communities. I’m proud to support this legislation that builds on those efforts to ensure that the FCC’s Universal Service Fund remains sustainable in the future.” The USF – which includes programs to support broadband access in rural communities, facilitate rural health care, and expand access to affordable broadband service for low-income families, schools, and libraries – is largely funded by fees imposed on landlines. As the use of landlines continues to decline, this places a disproportionate impact on seniors, who are significantly more likely to use a landline than younger adults. The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act directs the FCC to initiate a rule making proceeding to reform the contributions system, taking into account the fairness and the relative burden any changes in fees will have on consumers and businesses, as well as the impact the proposed changes to the contribution system will have on seniors. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/the-first-thanksgiving | The First Thanksgiving | 2021-11-22 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Thanksgiving – it’s the time of year where you can turn to the paper and are almost guaranteed to find a few fluffy columns about counting blessings and being thankful. But this year, it would ring hollow coming from me. As many of you know, I lost Jean, my wife of 43 years, to cancer on November 2. She was the love of my life and, without her in it, my world will never be the same. Often when we think about love, we think about all the firsts. The first date. The first kiss. The first time bringing her home to mom and dad. But what about the painful firsts that love throws at us? The first night shutting off the lights alone in bed. The first snowfall without her by my side. Even in death, love remains; yet is the source of grief. This is my first holiday alone. And while family will be there, I’m still alone. No amount of people can replace Jean’s presence. For 43 years, we shared everything together. In marriage, we became one. She was my soulmate, my rock and her void is impossible to fill. Hardly an hour goes by where I don’t think about Jean. She’s my first thought in the morning and the last before I go to bed. She was everything to me and is constantly on my mind. Everyone grieves differently and it can hit you at any time. Feelings come when you least expect them and some moments are worse than others. Sometimes longing, sometimes anger, sometimes pain. We often don’t get to choose how we feel. But when I can, I choose to be thankful. Thankful that God brought that Lake Preston farm girl into my life. Thankful for every minute we shared together. And that family was always first. Thankful for the friends, family and even strangers who prayed for us and loved us through it all. Thankful for the doctors and nurses who worked so hard to cure her and to make her comfortable. The kindness we felt made a difference and will never be forgotten. Thankful she is no longer in pain and is finally at peace. No more long trips to Mayo. No more poking and prodding. No more radiation or chemo. Just peace. Thank… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=21590A0D-9087-4217-A993-869649DD78DC | Thune, Moran Lead Colleagues in Raising Concerns Over New Container Shipping Fees at Ports | 2021-11-19 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined his colleagues in urging the Federal Maritime Commission to reevaluate the new fees imposed for ocean carriers at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach that will be imposed starting November 22. The members expressed concerns that these increased shipping costs will eventually be passed on to American consumers, who are already facing numerous challenges as a result of the ongoing supply chain crisis. “These fees, just like tariffs, ultimately will be passed onto the American consumer in the form of higher prices for goods at a time when the prices are already at record highs,” the senators wrote. “Without question, ports across the United States are experiencing unprecedented congestion and record container volumes. We are sympathetic to the strain placed on all facets of the global supply chain, but it is misguided to levy an exorbitant fee under these unprecedented circumstances. Certainly, the delays and congestion at these ports is a multi-faceted problem, but these hyper-demurrage fees are not the solution. If left in place, they will have significant consequences for importers and American consumers.” The letter is also signed by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Shelley Moore-Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). Full letter below: The Honorable Daniel B. Maffei Federal Maritime Commission 800 North Capitol Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20573 Dear Chairman Maffei: We write to express our serious concern with the new “Container Excess Dwell Fees” at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach that will be levied against ocean carriers starting on November 22. Although the ocean carriers will be receiving the bill, they have clearly stated their expectations that all fees will be passed through to the importers. Thes… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4D4CAA00-5667-4FD9-AA8E-07A5EC0FECCD | Thune: Democrats Encourage Illegal Immigration, Consider Offering Massive Taxpayer-Funded Cash Settlements | 2021-11-18 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called out Democrats for ignoring the catastrophic crisis at the southern border and encouraging illegal immigration. Thune highlighted Democrats’ attempt to include full amnesty for illegal immigrants in their reckless tax-and-spending spree. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, the Biden border crisis continues to rage. “Last month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered 164,303 individuals attempting to illegally cross our southern border. “That’s more than twice the number of encounters Customs and Border Protection had the previous October, and the highest October number in more than 20 years. “In all, more than 1.7 million migrants were apprehended attempting to cross our southern border in fiscal year 2021 – the highest number ever. “We are in the midst of a very serious crisis, Mr. President. “And the response from Democrats and the administration? “Well, mostly crickets. “Democrats seem to hope that ignoring the border situation will make it go away – or at least ensure that no one pays attention. “I’m pretty sure the president and his administration spent more time earlier this year fighting against the use of the word crisis to describe the situation at the border than they did actually thinking about how they might deal with the influx. “And apparently the administration is still trying to avoid the crisis label, judging by a recent hearing where the president’s nominee to head Customs and Border Protection seemed to carefully avoid referring to the situation at the border as a crisis. “Mr. President, if the highest number of border apprehensions ever recorded isn’t a crisis, I’m not sure what is. “The situation at our southern border is out of control. “It’s a security crisis. “It’s a manpower and enforcement crisis. “And it’s a humanitarian crisis. “Although, again, you’d never guess it from Democrats’ behavior. “Despite the fact that this crisis has been raging for the best part of a year, Democrats and the a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=99D8EFDD-9254-47DE-98F6-A581182F7ACA | Delegation Requests Additional Funding to Address Safety Hazards for SWO Law Enforcement | 2021-11-18 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today urged U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Debra Haaland to increase funding for the Sisseston Wahpeton Oyate (SWO) Community and Justice Rehabilitation Center. The delegation stressed the need for a new police department headquarters within the center after a recent report from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) revealed that mold has infiltrated the existing police station. “[A] recent BIA report found that the current SWO Police Department headquarters has been taken over by mold,” the delegation wrote. “The existence of this mold poses a health hazard for police officers, station staff, and Tribal members visiting the station. Building a new station in conjunction with the detention facility would establish greater public safety in the community, as well as eliminate the current health risk within the existing station. Additional funds from DOI to SWO are needed to make this a reality.” Full letter below: The Honorable Debra Haaland Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland, We write in support of additional funding for Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate (SWO) Community Justice and Rehabilitation Center. Specifically, there is an urgent need for a new police department headquarters housed within this new center, following a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) report that mold has infiltrated the existing police station. For several years, SWO has sought to build a Community Justice and Rehabilitation Center. The need became more urgent after the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), the BIA, and the Office of Justice Services (OJS) condemned and closed their 28-bed adult jail in December 2016. After this closure, Congress directed the BIA and OJS to assist the Tribe in reconstructing its adult detention facility. DOI has since awarded $11,175,000 to SWO for construction of a 25- bed adult detention facility. We are told that construction should begin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F0F8D169-2695-4AF8-A734-0B011712DC54 | Thune: Democrats’ Inflation Will Make Thanksgiving the Most Expensive in History | 2021-11-17 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today warned that Thanksgiving will be the most expensive in history as inflation causes Americans to spend more on everyday goods. Thune stressed that inflation will be made worse if Democrats are able to pass their reckless tax-and-spending spree. Thune’s remarks below: “This is going to be the most expensive Thanksgiving for American families in history. “The turkey itself is going to be 18% higher than it was last year. “Other costs – eggs, poultry, fish, meats, year over year have increased 11.9%. That's the October-to-October increase in inflation there. “For people who are going to be traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday, gas prices are at a seven-year high. “And if you're heating your home or cooking your food, utilities in South Dakota tell us that the home heating costs this year are going to be 50 to 100% higher than they were last year. “I've been warning about this since last February, when the Democrats were talking about passing their first massive tax-and-spend bill. “And since that time, we have seen inflation go up – highest rate in 31 years – biggest inflationary increase literally in more than a generation. “And what they're talking about doing now with this next massive and reckless tax-and-spending spree is going to aggravate and accelerate this inflation issue even more. “It's not going away, and the only thing that they can do to make it worse is to flood the zone with more spending, more taxes, and more debt, and you'll see inflation continue to go up. “The best thing we can do to stop that from happening is to stop this reckless tax-and-spending spree dead in its tracks. “And I hope that we will have some Democrats who come to the conclusion that that's the case and be willing to work with us to make that happen.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C6A96E07-8F53-4DF7-BE0D-2A838EC41FCE | Thune: Democrats Continue to Ignore Ongoing Crises, Prioritize Socialist Spending Spree | 2021-11-16 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how Democrats have prioritized their reckless tax-and-spending spree over addressing the numerous crises they have created, which are impacting families in South Dakota and across the country. Thune noted that Democrats’ latest proposal would significantly increase the size of the federal government and expand its reach into Americans’ lives. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, we’re coming up on a year of Democrat governance here in Washington. “And what do Democrats have to show for it? “Nothing good. “On the international front, the president’s most significant act was his disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, which lowered our standing with our allies and continues to jeopardize our national security. “On the domestic front, Democrats have largely ignored a massive crisis along our southern border that continues to rage. “And then, Mr. President, there’s inflation. “You might call it Democrats’ signature domestic ‘achievement.’ “So how did they get us here? “Well, despite their lack of a mandate and their extremely narrow majorities in Congress, Democrats came into office last January determined to expand government and implement a far-left, socialist agenda. “And in their minds the coronavirus crisis provided the perfect opportunity to advance their plans. “And so despite the fact that Congress had just passed a nearly $1 trillion, bipartisan coronavirus response bill in December – the fifth bipartisan bill Congress had passed in just 10 months – Democrats declared that we immediately needed another piece of – ostensibly – coronavirus relief legislation. “And not just another piece of legislation – a massive piece of legislation. “Despite the fact that the December bill had met essentially all the pressing coronavirus needs the country was facing, Democrats decided that we “needed” to spend another $1.9 trillion. “Democrats were warned that the size of their so-called American Rescue Plan – which was substantially in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/guest-column-adoption-story-handwritten-by-god | Guest Column: Adoption Story Handwritten by God | 2021-11-15 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | This guest column is written by Adam and Hayley Kaemingk. Adam serves as the West River Director for Senator Mike Rounds and manages his Rapid City office. November is National Adoption month. Our adoption story was handwritten by God and started before we even knew it. As we look back at the timeline of our life together, we clearly see how God was preparing us for one of the most important times of our lives. Married in 2007, we dreamed of building a family with biological and adopted children. We welcomed our first born in 2009. Eliot’s birth was God’s first chapter in our adoption story. At the time, we didn’t understand some of what He was doing, but we soon would. When Eliot was 6 months old, we noticed her eyes were not tracking normally. She was diagnosed with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. This diagnosis meant that she was partially blind and her MRI scan showed a small part of her brain never formed. We committed ourselves to be the best advocates for Eliot and her special needs. The next few years brought the birth of two more children, Anders and Reese. Between working, running kiddos and the weekly house projects, we put the idea of adoption on the back burner. But we were quickly reminded that Kaemingk timing is not the same as God’s timing. We learned that there was a need for families to take part in the China Special Needs Program. The Lord had led us exactly where He wanted us to be and if our son was in China, we needed to go to him and bring him home. Little did we know when we were praying about that decision - over 6,000 miles away, a little boy was born and placed in an orphanage. In early 2016, we got “the call.” There was a file for us to consider of a 12 month old boy who was partially blind. We couldn’t believe the similarities between this child and our Eliot. This is the part of our story where God made it clear that the trials we experienced with Eliot’s disorder were there to prepare us to be exactly what our son, Theo, needed us to be. We took a trip across the ocean to China and T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/remembering-jean-rounds | Remembering Jean Rounds | 2021-11-05 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Jean Rounds, 65, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 2, at her home in Ft. Pierre, surrounded by those she loved. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 5th from 5:00-7:00pm at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Pierre with a 6:00pm Prayer Service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, November 6th at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Pierre with private family burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Pierre. The family will be hosting a luncheon at Drifters Bar & Grille following the funeral mass. Jean's Funeral can be viewed by visiting: rounds.senate.gov/Jean Jean Renae Vedvei was born on October 4, 1956, in Lake Preston, South Dakota, to Alec and Helen Vedvei. The oldest of four siblings, she spent most of her childhood on a farm north of Lake Preston. She initially attended country school near the farm before later going to school in town. She excelled at academics and sports, and was an accomplished musician. Her father especially enjoyed hearing her play the accordion. After graduating from Lake Preston High School in 1974, she attended South Dakota State University in Brookings. She soon graduated with a degree in office management and went to work at the university. It was at SDSU where she met her future husband, Mike. They were married at the North Preston Church near her hometown on April 22, 1978, and subsequently made their home in Pierre. The couple had four children: Christopher, Brian, Carrie and John. All were active in sports and extracurricular activities, and Jean loved watching and supporting them in every way possible. She was absolutely committed to their success and documented every minute of it in her amazing scrapbooks. Jean was an incredible typist—even winning a vacation with her typewriting speed. She used her talents at several positions in state government, including working at the State Planning Bureau and as the office manager for the Secretary of the Department of Transportation. When Mike decided to run for Governor in 2001, she… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A7AAD656-7A00-4112-99A0-2176115EAB7E | Thune Opposes Biden Vaccine Mandate, Moves to Nullify It | 2021-11-05 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement in response to OSHA’s new rule, which was formally released today, requiring all private companies with 100 employees or more to enforce mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees. The Biden vaccine mandate would affect 80 million Americans and impose a $14,000 fine on businesses for every employee who doesn’t comply. Thune will join dozens of his Senate Republican colleagues in introducing a resolution that, if approved, would completely nullify the rule. “Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a personal choice,” said Thune. “I chose to get vaccinated, and I encourage others to as well, but a federal vaccine mandate is wrong, and it will significantly hurt businesses in South Dakota and damage an already struggling workforce. Washington bureaucrats have no business slapping heavy-handed, government-knows-best mandates on private companies or infringing on individuals’ freedoms and privacy. I will do everything I can to stop it.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D812DAEA-6D66-430C-B239-9E06DC89A50A | Thune Leads Republican Colleagues in Urging USDA to Reverse Decision to Include So-Called “Net Neutrality” Commitments in ReConnect Program | 2021-11-05 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today sent a letter with several of his Republican colleagues to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the agency to avoid imposing any unnecessary “net neutrality” restrictions on broadband providers, which would threaten future investments in broadband infrastructure. “It is deeply troubling that USDA is suggesting it has the authority much less the qualified staff and expertise to make determinations about ‘lawful Internet traffic,’” the senators wrote. “If USDA decides to make attempts at regulating the Internet absent authority from Congress, it would lead to tremendous legal and marketplace uncertainty. Rather than attempting to impose monopoly-era regulations on broadband providers and politicizing the ReConnect program, we strongly urge you to reverse your decision to provide additional scoring points based on USDA’s determination of what constitutes ‘net neutrality.’” The letter was also signed by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Dan Sullivan (R-Ala.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). Full letter below: The Honorable Tom Vilsack Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue, Southwest Washington, D.C. 20250 Dear Secretary Vilsack, We write today regarding our concerns with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural eConnecvity Pilot Program’s (ReConnect) scoring criteria, which includes so-called “net neutrality” commitments. The buildout of broadband infrastructure, including to some of the most remote and rural areas of this country, has transformed our nation’s economy and provided new opportunities for many Americans. The investment in broadb… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=87636AE2-0CEF-4762-9472-259BFA57542C | Thune: Democrats’ Radical Agenda Threatens Families, Faith, and Life | 2021-11-04 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today highlighted how Democrats’ out-of-touch child care provisions in their reckless tax-and-spending spree would reduce the number of child care options for parents and harm faith-based providers across the country. Thune also noted how the Democrats’ bill would allow taxpayer funding for abortions against the wishes of a majority of the American people. On Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree (excerpts): “The ever-evolving reckless tax-and-spending spree bill proposed by the Democrats – it continues to change because they can't seem to figure out how to put together something that might pass in the House and the Senate.” … “This bill is the largest spending increase we've seen in history, largest tax increase in history, and we're finding out now it’s also going to add significantly to the federal debt because there's a recent study by Penn Wharton which suggests that the overall cost of the bill, when fully implemented, would be $3.9 trillion and that the revenues that are proposed to be raised to pay for it only generate about $1.5 trillion.” … “So just think about that, Mr. President, from the side that always says that our side is looking out for rich people, trying to cut taxes for the rich, they are proposing, and have included, have included now in the House version of the reckless tax-and-spending spree bill, a provision that would provide tax cuts to rich people. “In fact, 80 percent of that tax cut, 80 percent, would go to people who are making more than $200,000 a year.” … “Some really horrible ideas have come out in the last few weeks, some of which have gone away simply because there aren’t any Democrats who will vote for them. But this is one, obviously, that’s going to benefit rich people across this country on a level unlike anything else in the bill, as is suggested by the overall cost of the provision and the way that it distributes among income categories.” On Democrats’ out-of-touch child care provisions (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. Preside… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E83B1247-703B-4B67-A189-9842A863B847 | Thune on America’s Newsroom: Voters Reject Democrats’ Big Government Policies | 2021-11-04 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined “America’s Newsroom” to discuss the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree and the Biden administration’s reported plan to give illegal immigrants $450,000 taxpayer-funded settlements. On Democrats ignoring voters who reject their radical policies: “I think they're in a bubble right now. They’re obviously not looking at, you know, what’s happening around the country and listening to the voices of the people out there. The clear message coming out of the elections on Tuesday night was that there was a rejection, a repudiation of this nanny state, big government approach the Democrats here in Washington are taking. And I don’t know how you can conclude any other way. “I mean, obviously, in Virginia we saw a historic victory, and in New Jersey, a very close race. But in both cases, I think it was a response to the Biden agenda and the American people saying, ‘I don't want this, this isn't what I voted for.’ And so I think they're completely misinterpreting that message.” On the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree: “But in the end, this bill is gonna be written by Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema in the Senate. And we’re hoping that we can do everything to try and restrain the amount of reckless spending and reckless taxing and reckless amount of debt that is going to come with this if something eventually passes.” ... “If you look at what they’re contemplating doing here, there's gonna be a lot of duplication, a lot of overlap, a lot of spending that’s totally unnecessary. And you look at the things that are funded in here, and you know, their argument is the reason people voted the way they did on Tuesday night is because they don't know what's in this bill, they don't know how good it is for them. I would argue they do know what's in it. “You know, funding hundreds of millions of dollars for urban agriculture, tree equity, you know, tax credits for universities and colleges that offer courses in environmental justice. This stuff is just, it's crazy left. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=04529DC8-CD77-4AEA-AC6C-6565B1BF8E11 | Thune Remembers Jean Rounds | 2021-11-03 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today remembered Jean Rounds, the late former first lady of the state of South Dakota, on the Senate floor. Thune’s remarks below: “Mr. President, let me begin this morning by saying how sorry we were to the hear the news about the loss of former First Lady Jean Rounds of the state of South Dakota. “Mike and Jean have been friends of ours for many, many years. “I was involved in Senator Rounds’ first campaign for office when he ran for state Senate back in 1990 – have known Jean since I worked in the administration of late Governor George Mickelson, along with her at the Department of Transportation, and I just can’t tell you what a loss it is for the state of South Dakota. “She was an individual who carried herself with incredible grace – always kind – had a humility about her that I think people just found infectious. “She was very down to earth – never lost that as a first lady – conducted herself in a way that represented a great model for the state of South Dakota. Both in her character, her conduct, the style, the way in which she served as first lady is something that I think made every South Dakotan proud. “And so today, along with all South Dakotans, Kimberley and I mourn her loss, we lift up the Rounds family in our prayers and hope and pray that through this time they’ll feel God’s grace and comfort in new and profound ways. “But just a tremendous loss. And I know for my colleague, Mike Rounds, who has been a great partner of mine – we’ve been involved in politics together now in South Dakota for over 30 years – that he, too, is going to need our support and our prayers in the days ahead. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A092C098-5B6C-4B0B-B722-F5016585A17D | Thune: Voters Reject Democrats’ Radical Agenda | 2021-11-03 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks highlighting that voters have rejected Washington Democrats’ radical tax-and-spending policies, which are out of step with the needs of the American people. Thune’s remarks below (excerpts): “There's a lot of interpretation about what happened in these off-year elections last night. Obviously, the results in two traditionally Democrat-leaning states are causing people to speculate about what it all means.” … “But some of what I heard this morning from Democrat analysts was that this is evidence that the Democrat Party needs to double down on the big, reckless tax-and-spending bill because people who voted in Virginia, in New Jersey last night didn't know what was in it. And when they find out all the good things that are in it, they're going to love this, and they're going to want to support Democrats. “And I have to say, Mr. President, I think that completely misses the point. I think what people are saying is they don't want to hand the keys to their lives to Washington, D.C. This massive, reckless tax-and-spending spree that's being contemplated here by Senate Democrats is historic in its sweep, its expansion, its growth of government, its cost, its price tag, and it’s historic in terms of the amount of taxation that will be put on the backs of the American people in order to pay for it. “And I think what happened last night was a repudiation. It was a repudiation of the nanny state and its belief that Washington knows best. And that we should get people in this country more dependent upon Washington, D.C. I think what the American people are saying is we don't want to be more dependent on Washington, D.C.” … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/statement-on-the-passing-of-jean-rounds | Statement on the Passing of Jean Rounds | 2021-11-02 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | FT. PIERRE – Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D) released the following statement remembering his wife Jean who passed away this morning after battling sarcoma cancer: “The love of my life is with the Lord. No more treatments. No more pain. Just peace. South Dakota knew her as First Lady. We knew her as wife, daughter, mom and grandma. She was everything to us. The prayers and support we received throughout this battle were powerful and made a difference. We ask for your continued prayer as we remember her life and grieve together as a family.” To send condolences to the Rounds family, please visit rounds.senate.gov/Jean or send to: P.O. Box 309 Pierre, South Dakota 57501 | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=321353E3-3B83-4302-B3FC-5C6ED603E6C5 | Thune: Six-Figure Cash Settlements for Illegal Immigrants are Insulting to Taxpayers | 2021-11-02 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today blasted the Biden administration’s reported plan to give $450,000 settlements to migrants who illegally crossed our country’s southern border and are now suing the United States. Thune noted these payments would be six and a half times the median household income in the United States and warned that they would only encourage more migrants to make the dangerous journey to our southern border and break our country’s laws. Excerpts of Thune’s remarks below: “The Biden administration is overseeing the worst border crisis in America's history. Before it's all said and done this year, there'll be over 2 million people, or about 2 million people who will come into this country illegally. “And now, to make matters worse, the administration is considering paying people who are here illegally, and are suing this country, $450,000 per person… That, if you think about it, is six and a half times the median average income in this country. It is four and a half times what is paid to the families of people who have lost soldiers in combat.” … “This, ladies and gentlemen, is an insult to the hard-working taxpayers in this country. “The Biden administration's ideas, there's not a day that goes by around here where there isn't a horrible idea that comes out, and we've been dealing with that on a daily basis now for the past several weeks, but this is an idea that just has got to be done away with. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9B111B49-2EC1-4657-96ED-E18DE95A1F79 | Thune: Democrats Plan to Double Down on Inflation-Creating Policies | 2021-11-02 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed Democrats’ plan to flood the economy with unnecessary government money as they continue to ignore the growing inflation crisis. Thune noted that the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree would only make inflation worse and that South Dakota families will ultimately pay the price. On Democrats’ obsession with taxing and spending (excerpts): “Mr. President, in all the time I’ve been in Washington in both the House and Senate … I’ve seen Republicans in control in the majorities, I’ve seen Democrats in the majority. “I’ve been on both sides of that. “I’ve seen Republican presidents and Democrat presidents, but one thing that doesn't change is that when Democrats get power in Washington, they want to expand government. “They want to grow government. “They want to spend money. “If you just look throughout the history, at least in the time I’ve been here, that’s just a fact.” … “I guess it doesn't come as any surprise that that's what Democrats do when they gain power, when they get majorities – they want to grow, they want to expand the government, they want to spend more money and raise taxes to do it. “It's almost like a kind of rite of passage that if you're going to be a good Democrat, this is what you do.” … “I think part of this is, you know, President Biden was convinced he could be the next FDR, and to do that you got to spend lots of money. … But they've come up with a big list, and a list again that would be financed with lots of tax increases that I think could be incredibly harmful to the economy.” On rising inflation (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, last week we learned that economic growth for the third quarter had fallen short of expectations, largely driven by a deceleration in consumer spending and supply problems of goods and labor. “Meanwhile, American families continue to deal with what is rapidly becoming a serious, long-term inflation problem. “Last month, consumer prices rose at the fastest pace in 30 years. “And a rec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-nominates-the-lee-family-of-colman-for-angels-in-adoption-award | Rounds Nominates the Lee Family of Colman for Angels in Adoption Award | 2021-11-01 | 2021 | 2021-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PIERRE—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that he has nominated Sandra and Chad Lee of Colman for the 2021 Angels in Adoption Award, presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCAI). Sandra and Chad, along with their children Adam and Amanda, adopted Daniela, Christopher and Mikano from Haiti in 2010. “Every year, I have the great honor of recognizing a South Dakota family who has made a life changing impact on the lives of children,” said Rounds. “Sandra, Chad, Adam and Amanda answered a calling from God to change the life of not one child, but three. More than a decade after adopting Daniela, Christopher and Mikano from Haiti, the Lee family continues to advocate for orphans and the importance of reducing barriers to adoption. Today, the Lee children are engaged in a variety of school activities, including academics, sports and their church’s youth group. I am proud to recognize this inspirational family.” “We are so honored to have been selected to receive the Angels in Adoption Award this year,” said Sandra Lee. “Adoption is near and dear to our hearts! Many blessings that we just take for granted are life-changers for children from tough places. In addition to the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and medical care, children also desperately need and deserve stability, security, and a place to always belong. Adoption is a great way to climb outside ourselves to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are so thankful that God has chosen to use our family in this way! Likewise, we want to encourage others to consider the impact they can have in the life of a child—mentoring, foster care, adoption, or supporting those who do—everyone can make a difference.” In January 2010, the world witnessed the destruction and devastation in Haiti following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Sixteen months into the rigorous adoption process, the Lee family was not immediately aware of the children’s well-being or the status of the orphanage. Thankfully, the children were safe. It was not until a month after… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:30:49Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2F0DCB42-7721-45A2-AC36-F9642F2A03BB | Thune, Brown Push to Improve Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage Plans | 2021-10-29 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio.) this week led a bipartisan group of senators in requesting an update on the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) efforts to streamline prior authorization protocols across programs, including Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The senators are encouraging the Biden administration to take additional steps to strengthen prior authorization policies and make them more efficient for all Americans, including MA beneficiaries. “We support CMS’s efforts to protect beneficiaries, increase transparency around prior authorization requirements, and streamline prior authorization processes for patients, providers, and health plans,” the senators wrote. “We request an update on CMS’s plans to revisit and advance policies to modernize and improve prior authorization for patients and providers.” Thune recently introduced the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, bipartisan legislation that would improve timely access to quality care for seniors under MA. Specifically, the bill would modernize the way MA plans and health care providers use prior authorization. This legislation addresses the top administrative issue for physicians, and it would make the delivery of health care more patient- and doctor-friendly. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Susan Collins (R-Maine.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). Full letter below: The Honorable C… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A4EC038F-DBC8-4DA0-ACA7-C46D92A36B1B | Thune, Colleagues Urge USDA to Prioritize Broadband Funding to Rural Americans | 2021-10-29 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) this week urged U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to prioritize broadband funding to unserved areas in rural America. The letter requests that USDA continue to grant awards to areas where there is a higher percentage of unserved households, increase its coordination efforts with other agencies administering broadband programs, and give equal treatment to all applicants. The Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect Program) was established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 in order to provide broadband services to rural areas through grants. On October 22, 2021, USDA announced it would make an additional $1.15 billion available for the third round of the program. The third round will begin accepting applications on November 24, 2021, and it will close on February 22, 2022. “USDA has been given a tremendous responsibility to disburse funding that can improve broadband access in rural America,” the senators wrote. “We ask you to take every possible step to make the greatest possible use of this opportunity so that the ReConnect program can go as far as possible towards achieving our shared goal of connecting all Americans.” Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Tom Vilsack Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue, Southwest Washington, DC 20250-1590 Dear Secretary Vilsack, Congress has dedicated billions of dollars to bring broadband service to all Americans. Yet today, there remain some Americans - largely in remote and very rural parts of America - that lack access to broadband service. We are writing today to ask you to continue to prioritize these Americans as you grant funding under the Rural Utilities Service’s (RUS) Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect). Focusing the third round of ReConnect funding on truly unserved areas would make the program more effective and le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-seeking-spring-2022-internship-applications | Rounds Seeking Spring 2022 Internship Applications | 2021-10-28 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the spring semester. Positions are available in his Washington D.C. office and his state offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, Pierre and Sioux Falls. Spring semester internships typically run from January-May, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. “Our internship program is an incredible opportunity for students to experience a deeper understanding of the political process,” said Rounds. “Interns are crucial to our office operations both in South Dakota and in Washington. The program is open to students from all areas of discipline – not just political science. I encourage interested college students to apply for the upcoming spring semester today.” “I truly enjoyed every minute of my internship,” said Arden Koenecke of Pierre, a summer 2021 intern in Rounds’ D.C. office. “I returned home with tangible skills, better knowledge of the Senate and friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you to Senator Rounds and his staff for a great semester!” Intern duties include researching bills, tracking legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings, handling constituent phone calls and other correspondence, sorting mail and providing support in all areas of the office to Sen. Rounds and his staff. Internships can also be tailored to the intern’s specific interest areas when possible. Interested students can apply at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/internships. For more information, please call Rebecca Herman at (605) 336-0486. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FFF6A0D9-3F24-499D-8EC6-9C033A2A68E0 | Thune: Democrats Continue to Have Misplaced Priorities | 2021-10-28 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called out Democrats for prioritizing their radical agenda and government expansion ahead of passing the National Defense Authorization Act or critical legislation to address the energy and border crises. Thune noted that Democrats are continuing to ignore important issues that are impacting Americans and are instead focusing solely on their reckless tax-and-spending spree. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, work continues on Democrats’ socialist spending spree. “And the Senate seems to be on track to vote on their bill in the near future. “Well, maybe. “It depends who you ask at any given time around here these days. “Just to highlight the high level of uncertainty surrounding this process, President Biden was on Capitol Hill just this morning – his second visit this month – to twist the arms of still undecided Democrats. “As they continue to see what sticks to the wall, it’s good to know that priorities like government jobs for climate activists, tax credits for ‘environmental justice’ programs at colleges and universities, and $200 million for a park in Speaker Pelosi’s district may soon come up for a vote in the Senate. “It’s just too bad that Democrats have been so focused on expanding government that they haven’t actually taken time to do some of the essential business of government. “Mr. President, fiscal year 2021 ended a month ago. “We’re into fiscal year 2022. “Yet so far the Senate has not taken up a single appropriations bill for the 2022 fiscal year. “On the other hand, perhaps it’s not surprising, since the 2022 appropriations bills recently introduced by the committee chair are rabidly partisan productions, packed with poison pills that one can only assume are designed to make the bills fail. “Taxpayer funding of abortion, a measure that would allow Democrats to use the IRS for partisan purposes, policies that would allow certain criminal illegal aliens to be released into the United States … we may be better off withou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2BD810E6-09B6-47CF-9686-9D96F1EEB6B3 | Thune: Democrats Prioritize Radical Climate Agenda Over Addressing Ongoing Energy Crisis | 2021-10-27 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke about the egregious climate policies in Democrats’ radical spending bill. Thune reiterated that Democrats in Washington are out-of-touch with the needs and priorities of rural states like South Dakota, and increasing taxes amid soaring prices on utilities and gas will hurt American families. On taxing unrealized gains (excerpts): “Mr. President, it's another day and another really bad idea coming from the Democrats to fund their reckless tax-and-spending spree. “It seems like, that to fund this massive amount of spending, they're trying desperately to come up with new revenue sources, so much so that as of yesterday still under consideration was a tax on unrealized gains. “In other words, on income that people haven't received yet.” … “Never before has that been attempted or tried or implemented in American history where you would actually have a tax on income before people actually ever receive the income.” … “It's a good example of the desperate lengths to which Democrats are trying to come up with new ways to fund this reckless taxing-and-spending spree that they seem to be insistent on trying to force through Congress with an evenly divided Senate and evenly divided House of Representatives. “It's hard to imagine that you could do something that radical, but this entire proposal is that radical, which is why they are having such a hard time getting even people in their own caucuses to agree to it.” On Democrats’ radical climate agenda (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, two years ago, Democrats introduced their original Green New Deal resolution. “While the guiding principle of the Green New Deal was climate change and energy, Democrats didn’t limit themselves to these issues. “They outlined a radical, comprehensive socialist revamping of our society, with the federal government inserting itself into nearly every aspect of American life. “And while Democrats haven’t advanced one all-inclusive bill to implement their Green New Deal – probably beca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C3FB93B8-78AB-4292-B7FD-088EAE4A2699 | Thune: South Dakotans See Right Through Democrats’ Budget Gimmicks | 2021-10-26 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called out Democrats for trying to disguise the price of their reckless tax-and-spending spree through convoluted budget gimmicks that are designed to fool the American people. Thune warned that Democrats’ massive government expansion and proposed tax hikes pose serious, long-term consequences for the economy and South Dakota families. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, Democrats continue to negotiate with each other on their tax-and-spending spree. “Democrats are currently working to lower the bill’s top-line number in an effort to meet some of the demands of the few moderate Democrats who have reservations about unchecked government spending. “Now, Mr. President, you might think that lowering the top-line number would involve deciding what programs and spending to eliminate to bring the bill in at a lower cost. “Well, not exactly. “Yes, Democrats are reportedly eliminating some spending. “But the word is that under pressure from progressives – who are dead-set against curtailing their plans for expanding government – Democrats are planning to keep a lot of their most expensive proposals but simply shorten the funding window to make the cost of these programs seem lower. “Take Democrats’ fantastically expensive child allowance. “Democrats have every intention of turning their child allowance into a permanent government welfare program. “But in order to bring the top-line number for their spending bill down, the word is that Democrats are now planning to officially extend the allowance for just one year. “This is in fact a budget gimmick on top of a budget gimmick, as Democrats were already attempting to disguise the true cost of the child allowance by officially extending it for just four of the 10 years in the bill’s 10-year budget window. “They were never, of course, planning to eliminate the child allowance after four years. “And they’re certainly not planning to eliminate it now after one year. “But by officially extending it fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D195432B-7090-456A-A094-7688C317205B | Thune, Farm-State Colleagues Renew Request to Advocate for Commonsense Biofuel Policy | 2021-10-26 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today led several of his colleagues in requesting a meeting with President Biden and representatives of his cabinet to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard and promote biofuels as a key solution for America’s energy and climate agenda. In July, Thune led a similar effort to discuss this important issue with the administration, but President Biden ignored it without reason. “Mr. President, biofuels are a readily available energy solution that deserve full consideration—not only for helping to stem the recent increase in fuel prices, which has subsequently accelerated inflation—but to serve as a foundational source of transportation emission reductions as part of your energy and environmental agenda,” wrote the senators. “We call on your administration to utilize the full capacity of American agriculture to deliver on both fronts, and we reiterate our request to discuss these matters with you in greater detail.” Joining Thune in signing the letter were Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.). Thune, an ardent supporter of higher ethanol blends like E15 fuel, has introduced bipartisan legislation to fully recognize the greenhouse gas reductions achieved by modern biofuels and a bill to approve advanced renewable fuel technologies and further lower biofuel emissions, policies he has also urged President Biden to adopt. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Biden: We write to reiterate our July request to meet with you, members of your Cabinet, and our Democratic colleagues to discuss the tremendous opportunity that biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel may contribute to your administration’s energy, environmental, and transportation… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F7A8C6F5-BF68-4D98-8653-DD2559765088 | Thune Questions TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube Representatives, Pushes for Increased Transparency | 2021-10-26 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today questioned representatives from TikTok, Snap Inc., and YouTube during a subcommittee hearing titled, “Protecting Kids Online: Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.” Thune expressed deep concern about social media platforms’ use of algorithms and their ability to manipulate users’ experience while online. Thune recently questioned Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen about the dangers of big tech’s use of algorithms. Earlier this year, Thune reintroduced two bipartisan bills, the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency (PACT) Act and the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, that would help increase online transparency and accountability. Thune’s opening remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Thank you Chairman Blumenthal and Ranking Member Blackburn for holding today’s hearing. “While social media offers a lot of benefits and opportunities, I have concerns about the lack of transparency online and limited accountability of big tech companies. One of the major problems with social media that has been increasingly concerning is social media platforms’ use of algorithms to shape and manipulate users’ experience resulting in individuals being trapped in the “filter bubble.” The filter bubble can be particularly troubling for younger users. For example, a recent Wall Street Journal article described in detail how TikTok’s algorithm serves up sex and drug videos to minors. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-block-democrats-irs-snooping-proposal | Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Block Democrats’ IRS Snooping Proposal | 2021-10-22 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), member of the Senate Banking Committee, Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and colleagues introduced the Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act to prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from implementing Democrats’ plan to give the agency access to transaction information of virtually every American. “I have heard from more than 5,000 South Dakotans who are opposed to the proposed IRS expansion and intrusive authority to monitor everyday Americans’ bank accounts,” said Rounds. “I strongly oppose this attempt to invade the financial privacy rights of millions of Americans. Our bill prohibits the IRS from moving forward with this unprecedented access to taxpayer bank accounts. We must protect taxpayers from this power grab by the Biden administration.” In addition to Rounds, Scott’s bill is cosponsored by the ranking members of the Senate finance and banking committees, Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), as well as Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio). Background President Biden, Treas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-heinrich-introduce-indian-buffalo-management-act- | Rounds, Heinrich Introduce Indian Buffalo Management Act | 2021-10-22 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the bipartisan Indian Buffalo Management Act, legislation to create a permanent buffalo program at the U.S. Department of the Interior and help promote and develop tribal capacity to manage buffalo. “The American buffalo is a treasured animal and resource for Native American communities across the United States,” said Rounds. “The Indian Buffalo Management Act gives tribes the capacity to manage their buffalo populations, utilize the many benefits from buffalo and provide input into federal buffalo management policy. I am committed to helping tribes in South Dakota restore their historical and cultural ties to buffalo herds and make certain that this is a meaningful step for Native American communities.” “The American buffalo, or bison, is central to the culture and history of many of our tribal nations, including a number in New Mexico,” said Heinrich. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Rounds to provide Tribal communities with access to additional resources and opportunities to manage these revered animals and restore their habitat.” “The Indian Buffalo Management Act will restore the cultural, historical, spiritual and traditional connection between buffalo and tribal people; create employment and economic opportunities; and provide the Tribe with access to traditional, healthy and self-sustaining food source,” said Clyde Estes, Chairman of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. “We thank Senator Rounds for working with us and listening to our request of introducing this important legislation in the United States Senate.” “Our goal has always been to expand our buffalo herd to produce one large enough to supplement our Food Distribution Program, to assist our elders when they need buffalo meats or parts for a ceremony and to work with our local schools to aid in the educational benefits of buffalo restoration,” said Mike Faith, Chairman … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/jim-soyer-the-heart-of-a-servant | Jim Soyer: The Heart of a Servant | 2021-10-22 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | I lost a good friend last week. Lonnie lost her husband of 37 years and her soulmate. The state of South Dakota lost a legendary public servant. Jim Soyer always listed truck driver, teacher and newspaperman first on his biography. But, he was also an extremely accomplished, humble public servant – having served as chief of staff and press secretary to the likes of former Governor Bill Janklow and former governor of Wisconsin and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. I worked with Jim while I served in the state legislature, he was my legislative director in the governor’s office and, up until the time of his death, he was a member of my U.S. Senate staff. Jim believed that those private sector jobs held more weight than his public service – because those were jobs “normal people” held - it’s what paid the bills. He would always talk about the “producers” and the “consumers”. Speaking from a taxpayer perspective, he often preached that producers paid the government’s bills (taxes) and consumers spent the money. The infamous “bleeders and spenders” list was a consolidated list that Jim kept and managed every legislative session. To the chagrin of many legislators, lobbyists and special interests – the “bleeders and spenders” list was Jim’s way of tracking all of the taxpayer money that people were trying to spend. Over the years, many of those proposals met their demise – because Jim was looking out for the taxpayer. Jim would say: “normal people” don’t have lobbyists so “they need us.” While Jim would never volunteer it, the last time I counted, he had either written or had significant input in writing 19 State of the State addresses for governors in two different states. It’s possible Jim wrote more press releases and messages for governors than any other person in the history of our country. A man, who by all accounts, rose to the highest ranks of state government – believed in the goodness of people and the greatness of our state. He could have been anything and yet he chose to serve oth… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0B85B519-2B91-41F1-BE73-4D6728196250 | Thune Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Establish a National 6G Strategy | 2021-10-21 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Chuck Schumer (D- N.Y.) this week introduced a bipartisan bill to support United States competitiveness in innovation and technology. The legislation would establish a national strategy to implement future telecom networks, including sixth generation (6G), based on recommendations from an expert council. “Ensuring the United States remains a leader in next-generation communications has long been a priority of mine,” said Thune. “This bill would allow the United States to continue competing on the global stage, and it would help prepare the United States to lead the way in deploying next-generation technology, including 6G. I’ll continue to work on bipartisan solutions that will increase innovation and bolster the private sector’s ability to compete in this emerging space.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2BEA3FFC-D0D9-4536-A9EA-54A3CAC21423 | Thune: Democrats’ Radical Spending Bill Places Job-Based Health Care Coverage at Risk | 2021-10-21 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) this week participated in a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the current and future role of federal programs in health insurance coverage in America. Thune discussed the long-term consequences of Democrats’ radical spending package and how it could jeopardize millions of Americans’ job-based health care coverage. Thune also criticized the lack of Hyde Amendment protections on expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies. Without these protections, federal funds could be used for taxpayer-financed abortion services. Thune’s opening remarks below: “I think this looks like maybe the only hearing we’re likely to have an opportunity where this committee can engage in a public forum to discuss what are the sweeping policy changes and massive expansion of government that Democrats have embarked upon. “I think it should be noted that even for bills that resulted in a partisan outcome, this committee has always followed regular order, and debated and voted on amendments. “And I think it’s a shame that after promises of bipartisanship and cooperation, even here today, we are facing policies that are fundamentally changing the tax code, affecting the economy, and the way consumers access health coverage on a completely partisan basis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2C095667-A671-4D88-A92B-49B4C4BA8A3B | Thune: The Time has Come to Hold Big Tech Accountable | 2021-10-21 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today urged Congress to enact meaningful, bipartisan legislation to hold big tech companies accountable. Thune discussed the secret and potentially harmful algorithms big tech uses to manipulate a user’s experience. Thune noted that his two bipartisan bills, the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency (PACT) Act and the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, would help increase online transparency and accountability for consumers of all ages. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, social media has become a big part of a lot of Americans’ lives. “TikTok. Twitter. Facebook. YouTube. Instagram. “People turn to social media for connection. “For entertainment. “To stay on top of the news. “For pictures of the grandkids. “For workout routines and new recipes. “Social media offers a lot of benefits and opportunities. “But it’s becoming ever more clear that social media has a darker side as well. “Social media use can have a negative effect on mental health. “It can foster negative and divisive engagement and serve as an outlet for illegal activity, from child pornography to human trafficking. “And it can have a particularly detrimental effect on the still-developing psyches of teenagers. “The Wall Street Journal recently published a series of disturbing reports based on the information a Facebook whistleblower provided that highlighted everything from the use of Facebook for criminal activity in developing countries, to the company’s own research showing the negative impact Instagram can have on teenage girls. “And two weeks ago, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing where we heard firsthand from the Facebook whistleblower about the concerns that led her to come forward. “Next week, the Commerce Committee will be holding a hearing with witnesses from Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube examining how these companies treat younger users. “A recent Wall Street Journal in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=449BB5DA-9017-4224-B06B-AF20CC1497C4 | Thune Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Put Patients Over Paperwork | 2021-10-21 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kans.), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) yesterday introduced the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, bipartisan legislation that would improve timely access to quality care for seniors under Medicare Advantage (MA). Specifically, the bill would modernize the way MA plans and health care providers use prior authorization. This legislation addresses the top administrative issue for physicians, and it will make the delivery of health care more patient- and doctor-friendly. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation that makes health care more efficient and patient-centered,” said Thune. “By implementing electronic prior authorization, providers are able to reduce delays and help seniors in South Dakota get quicker access to the treatment and care they need.” The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act has gained support from more than 320 national and state organizations representing patients, health care providers, medical device manufacturers, and health IT companies across the country. “The bill is a carefully crafted, bipartisan work product that reflects significant input from all direct stakeholders,” said Katie Orrico, senior vice president for health policy and advocacy at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons and leader of the Regulatory Relief Coalition. “The congressional team behind this bill focused on transparency, oversight, and modernization of the Medicare Advantage program to benefit patients and the providers and health plans who serve them. We eagerly await congressional action. The bill is ready for the finish line.” “Physicians know the best treatment for our patients but they’re often not the ones making the final decision due to artificial barriers constructed by insurance companies,” said Gerald E. Harmon, president of the American Medical Association. “The time delays and administrative burdens associated with prior authorization continue to undermine our patients’ he… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=53653E40-F18B-45A1-BD5F-704BAD36DD2E | Thune: Democrats Ignore Rising Inflation, South Dakota Families Pay the Price | 2021-10-20 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called out Democrats for blatantly ignoring the growing inflation crisis and noted the tone-deaf messaging coming out of the White House. Thune also highlighted the Biden administration’s failures in addressing multiple crises that are impacting families in South Dakota every day. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, last week President Biden’s chief of staff retweeted a tweet from Harvard economist Jason Furman describing our current economic challenges – notably the growing inflation crisis and supply chain issues – as ‘high class problems.’ “‘High class problems.’ “I guess working Americans struggling to stretch their paychecks to cover increases in the price of everything from groceries to gas can comfort themselves with the knowledge that they’re experiencing ‘high class problems.’ “Mr. President, the White House chief of staff’s tone-deaf tweet was unfortunately pretty typical of a White House that seems eager to minimize – or disclaim responsibility for – most of the problems occurring on its watch, whether it’s the flood of illegal immigration across our southern border or the high prices Americans are currently facing. “But as the White House chief of staff – and the president – should know, inflation has become a serious problem for working Americans. “Inflation, of course, hits middle- and lower-income families hard. “If you’re wealthy, price increases may be an annoyance, but they’re not likely to break your budget. “If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, on the other hand, price increases may mean the difference between making it to the next paycheck or running out of money mid-month. “Currently, Mr. President, inflation is costing a typical household $175 a month, according to Moody’s Analytics. “That may not sound like much to a wealthy Democrat politician, but for an ordinary American family, it’s a lot of money. “$175 a month may be the difference between whether or not parents can afford to get braces for their daughter… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=543E7182-4B76-46F7-9103-F20A851333D5 | Thune Demands Answers on Supply Chain Crisis, Presses Biden Nominees | 2021-10-20 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today questioned several Biden nominees about the unprecedented supply chain crisis in the United States. Thune emphasized that these massive backlogs at American ports are hurting farmers and ranchers in South Dakota and negatively affecting commodity prices. Thune’s opening remarks below: “We are facing this unprecedented supply chain crisis, and we’ve got a lot of Americans who are encountering already empty store shelves, long wait times, rising costs, and we’ve got the holiday season approaching. “In my state, agricultural producers are also feeling the crunch, with capacity for their goods being hampered by a combination of surging demand for containerized shipping and a massive backlog at our nation’s ports – particularly LA-Long Beach. This inefficiency has downstream effects on commodity prices, hurting farmers and ranchers across the country, including in South Dakota. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CB4A0306-A13B-4E7F-A6A6-4CE40CB6A292 | Thune Questions Biden Nominee to Lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection | 2021-10-20 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, yesterday questioned Chris Magnus, President Biden’s nominee to be commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. During the hearing, Thune pressed Magnus on his position on sanctuary cities and the current border crisis, which has stretched immigration enforcement to a breaking point. Thune also questioned him about the current supply chain crisis that has been created by bottlenecks at American ports and the impact it has on market access for South Dakota producers. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AA639539-8E33-4CCD-BEF5-371A1BE438E1 | Thune: Democrats Prioritize Socialist Spending Spree, Turn Blind Eye to Biden’s Crises | 2021-10-19 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the glaring disconnect between Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree and the needs of South Dakotans. Thune noted that while Democrats push for a massive expansion of government that will result in historic tax hikes, Republicans will continue to fight against them and work to protect individual liberties. Thune also discussed the impact of inflation on the economy and called out Democrats for misleading the American people about the cost of their radical spending bill. On rising inflation (excerpts): “The inflationary impact is being felt all across this country. “Energy costs are up, gasoline costs are up by huge amounts, food costs are up in this country, housing costs are up. “There isn'thardly any area of our economy where people aren't being impacted by inflation, meaning that the dollars that they earn are stretching less further all the time. “And that is not a fake thing. It's not a temporary thing. It's a real thing, [and] people are experiencing it in their economic lives on a daily basis.” … “If you put more dollars out there, which is what's being talked about by our Democrat colleagues, another $3.5 trillion that would flood the economy, I think the expectation is a very real one that you're going to see that inflationary pressure accelerate [and] intensify because when you have got that much money, that many dollars chasing too few of goods, inflation is an inevitable result. “And the idea that we need to spend another $3.5 trillion and that somehow that's going to be a solution right now also is not consistent at all with the facts and the data.” On Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, the Biden border crisis continues unabated. “In August, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered 208,887 people attempting to illegally cross our southern border – a 318 percent increase from August of 2020. “For context, that number is bigger than the population of Sioux Falls… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C1F81891-3163-4DE5-AD11-2FC893DCA83C | Thune: Democrats Propose an Unprecedented IRS Shakedown of Americans’ Financial Transactions | 2021-10-19 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today reiterated his strong opposition to Democrats’ proposal to double the size of the IRS and monitor everyday Americans’ bank accounts in order to help fund the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree. In September, Thune led a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urging him to abandon the Biden administration’s unprecedented proposal to expand the reporting of the private, confidential financial data of law-abiding Americans from financial institutions to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Thune’s letter was signed by every Republican member of the Senate Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Thune’s remarks below: “As you know, we've been saying for some time now, we have been criticizing and pointing out what a terrible idea the Democrats’ tax-and-spending spree is for the country and what a horrible vision that is for the future of America. “And today, we want to focus on one particular element of that, and that is how it's paid for. And in particular, this proposal, which would double the size of the IRS, literally double the size of the IRS, and allow them to snoop into every American's transactions, bank transactions. “And as has already been pointed out, this is something that is so sweeping, we've never seen anything like it before, where you're literally talking about an IRS dragnet across the bank accounts of every single American, or at least every single American who banks. Because as has been pointed out, any American who uses a bank account probably at some point is going to – with deposits and withdrawals – exceed $600. “Even if it's $10,000, it's still going to capture thousands, millions of Americans with this. “And so this is one of many really bad ideas in the Democrat proposal. But this one in particular needs to be killed for all the reasons that have been mentioned, and not the least of which is the huge invasion into Americans’ privacy. “And something that, as Senator Moran pointe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=74F5F08E-0916-4F51-9257-3110D3306536 | Thune’s Office Accepting Spring Interns | 2021-10-13 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is currently seeking college students to serve as spring interns in his office in Washington, D.C., as well as in his offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. Interns in Thune’s state offices will participate in constituent service and state outreach activities, while interns in the Washington, D.C. office will have the opportunity to witness the legislative process and attend Senate votes and hearings. Both in-state and Washington, D.C., internships will allow students to work closely with constituents, hone their research and writing skills, and learn a multitude of valuable office skills. “Interns who are selected will receive a firsthand look at the legislative process and the day-to-day life in a congressional office,” said Thune. “In Washington, interns will have the opportunity to attend Senate votes and hearings and participate in other activities that are unique to Capitol Hill. Students who are interested in interning in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, or Rapid City will find an equally rewarding experience with assisting staff on important constituent service requests and state outreach activities, which are critical to my work for the people of South Dakota. I encourage all college students who are interested in these opportunities to apply today.” Thune serves as the Senate Republican Whip, the number two position in Senate leadership, and is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and a member of the Senate Committee on Finance. College students who are interested in interning in Thune’s Washington, D.C., Aberdeen, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls offices should fill out an online application form with their resume and cover letter by November 12, 2021, at https://sen.gov/KZ48 or they can locate the application by searching “intern program” on www.thune.senate.gov. For more information, please call 202-224-2321. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-designating-october-as-national-cybersecurity-awareness-month | Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Designating October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month | 2021-10-07 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gary Peters (D-Mich.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and others introduced a bipartisan resolution designating October 2021 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The resolution recognizes the grave threat cyber-attacks, including ransomware attacks, pose to our national security and highlights simple steps individuals and businesses can take to protect their networks. “Increasing overall cybersecurity awareness, prevention measures and educational resources will help protect Americans from attacks and attempted hacks,” said Senator Rounds. “As the ranking member of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am glad to join this bipartisan effort to bring attention to Cybersecurity Awareness Month and work to deter cyberattacks in our businesses, homes, government and military.” “National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an important way to help educate people, businesses, and government officials about how they can protect themselves and their customers from cyber-attacks that could significantly disrupt our daily lives and livelihoods,” said Senator Peters. “At a time when Americans are increasingly reliant on the internet to conduct day-to-day business – reminding folks of simple actions they can take to protect their security will help prevent cybercriminals from stealing personal information. This bipartisan resolution also highlights the need for an all hands on deck approach to prevent hackers from breaching American networks and compromising our national security.” U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Angus King (I-Maine) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) are cosigners of the resolution. The National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Resolution will designate October 2021 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The resolution highlights how cybersecurity threat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-opposes-debt-limit-increase | Rounds Opposes Debt Limit Increase | 2021-10-07 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today released the following statement after voting against increasing the debt limit: “The Democrats want to increase spending by $3.5 trillion,” said Rounds. “This cannot be sustained. I joined all of my Republican colleagues in voting no to increase the debt limit. I voted to end debate after requiring Democrats to limit their debt ceiling increase to a specific dollar amount without the support of a single Republican senator. This provides a short-term protection against default, maintaining the full faith and credit of the United States. Furthermore, this will also require Democrats to return in December and explain to the American people the true cost of their tax and spending spree.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CCA7A44C-8C20-4943-968D-E35A8BB7D816 | South Dakota Health Care Leader Joins Thune at Telehealth Hearing | 2021-10-07 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today helped lead a subcommittee hearing on the importance of telehealth services and the critical role that broadband access plays in the public health response. During the hearing, Thune questioned South Dakotan Deanna Larson, CEO of Avel eCare in Sioux Falls, and Brendan Carr, commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission, about the crucial role telehealth plays in rural areas. In his opening statement, Thune highlighted the benefits of telehealth in rural areas, his work securing key telehealth provisions in the CARES Act, cosponsoring the CONNECT for Health Act, and authoring the RUSH Act. Thune’s opening remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Good morning and thank you, Chairman Lujan for holding this hearing. “As a resident of a rural state, I’ve long been a proponent of telehealth for the access it gives to rural communities. “If you live in a major city, you usually don’t have to think too much about where you’ll find a doctor if you need one. “But that’s not always the case for Americans in rural areas. “In the smallest towns in America, access to specialty care can be a challenge. “The only providers may be a primary care provider, a nurse, or a pharmacist. “These providers are essential to rural families, but there are times when specialty care is needed. “And when there isn’t a specialist close by, telehealth can help get patients the medical care they need from a remote location through the use of technology. “Telehealth services are also critical in nursing home facilities. “In my state, we have strong programs designed to bring on-demand support into facilities to help avoid unnecessary emergency department transfers. “My Reducing Unnecessary Senior Hospitalizations Act – or RUSH Act – would help facilitate more arrangements like we have in South Dakota, allowing medical groups to collaborate with nursing homes to provide telehealth services through a Medicare alternat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E668A82B-4CF7-4BCA-BF64-71CE5AC8763B | Thune, Smith Introduce Bill to Assist School Districts as They Apply for Impact Aid Program Funding | 2021-10-07 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) today introduced the Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act, legislation that would allow school districts participating in the Impact Aid Program to use previously reported student headcounts on their Impact Aid applications for the 2022-2023 school year. School districts will soon begin to complete their Impact Aid application for the 2022-2023 school year, and this bill would ensure that they do not need to recalculate federally connected students due to prolonged uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Impact Aid Program reimburses school districts located on federal property or for their students who live on federal land and, therefore, collect less in local property taxes to fund their schools. “In order to support the South Dakota school districts that participate in the Impact Aid Program, it’s imperative that we again provide them with the ability to use previously reported student headcounts on their Impact Aid applications that they will complete this fall,” said Thune. “Not only would this free up time and resources that can be directed to their students, it would also protect school districts from future Impact Aid funding reductions due to temporary enrollment declines as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.” “The pandemic continues to hit many Minnesota school districts hard, and for those districts that receive Impact Aid, it’s important that they maintain reliable, stable funding,” said Smith. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that while the pandemic continues to affect school operations, our Impact Aid districts won’t have to recalculate their student headcounts.” “As COVID-19 continues to impact students and school districts across the country, federally impacted school districts face significant challenges in conducting accurate Impact Aid student counts,” said Hilary Goldmann, executive director of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools. “These counts determine the districts’ Impact Aid, which pays for … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-on-senate-floor-president-biden-owns-the-afghanistan-debacle-and-history-will-not-judge-him-kindly | Rounds on Senate Floor: President Biden owns the Afghanistan debacle and history will not judge him kindly | 2021-10-06 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) delivered remarks on the floor of the Senate today regarding the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. In his remarks, Rounds highlighted a South Dakota veteran from Belle Fourche, who reached out to Rounds’ staff in hopes of evacuating her Afghan interpreter. Rounds also spoke in detail about President Biden’s decision to reject the professional advice of his military advisors to complete a conditions-based withdrawal rather than a date certain withdrawal. Read or watch Rounds’ full remarks below. Senator Rounds’ remarks as delivered: Madam President, Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of the day the United States entered Afghanistan – the beginning of “Operation Enduring Freedom.” On October 7, 2001, the U.S. military conducted its first strike on the terrorists responsible for attacking our nation on 9-11. As President Bush said on that day: It was not a mission we asked for, but a mission that we would fulfill. For the past two decades, brave men and women have answered the call and put on the uniform of our country to fight terrorists in the name of freedom. We were a beacon of hope in a region of chaos. Our presence made a difference. As I travel my home state of South Dakota, I’ve heard from many people who were disturbed by the events that unfolded during our final days in Afghanistan. I share their frustrations. Together, we watched the Taliban forcefully regain control of an entire country that we worked so hard to keep free from terrorist groups. We watched the credibility of the United States on the world stage diminish as we carelessly left our friends and allies behind. We watched civilians hopelessly cling to the wings of aircraft in desperate hope of escape. And we watched 13 brave men and women in uniform lose their lives while helping others seek freedom. As we mourn the loss of their lives, we recognize and appreciate their service to our nation. We also remember all those who fought by our side for twenty years, many of whom … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DF9148A7-9B5E-4B92-A627-C497155ECF32 | Thune: South Dakotans Aren’t Fooled By Democrats’ Illogical Math | 2021-10-06 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called out the Biden administration for falsely claiming that Democrats’ reckless $3.5 trillion tax-and-spending spree would actually cost zero dollars. Thune noted that the revenue Democrats are projecting to raise through doubling the size of the IRS and tracking how law-abiding Americans spend their money is overly optimistic and will not come close to covering the massive $3.5 trillion price tag. Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, on September 25, President Biden tweeted, and I quote, ‘My Build Back Better Agenda costs zero dollars.’ “Yes. “According to the president, a series of new, permanent entitlements and a massive expansion of government is going to cost … zero dollars. “And the president has been doubling down on that claim. “On Monday he once again tweeted, ‘The fact of the matter is my Build Back Better Agenda costs $0.’ “Well, no, Mr. President, the fact of the matter is that your Build Back Better Agenda costs $3.5 trillion – at least. “The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget – where the president’s treasury secretary served on the board before joining the administration – estimates the cost at $5 trillion or more. “But leaving that aside, even if the president has been merely trying to claim that his plan is fully paid for by tax hikes and other measures, to say that it would cost zero dollars is beyond ridiculous. “Let’s say your college education was completely paid for by your parents. “Did it then cost zero dollars? “Of course not. “It cost a lot of money – money that your parents likely were able to pay only because of a lot of hard work and sacrifices. “Or what if you’ve saved up for a couple of years for your dream vacation, and now you have all the money you need, down to the cost of your Ubers and your hotel breakfasts? “Does that mean your vacation is going to cost zero dollars? “Of course it doesn’t. “The same thing applies when it comes to the Democrats’ legislation. “Even if Democrats had all the mo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6788477F-8D22-48EA-A607-44BA0D3F2E1F | Thune: Democrats Leave Rural Americans Behind, Prioritize Socialist Policies | 2021-10-05 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke about how the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree will hurt rural Americans and middle-class families in South Dakota. Thune vowed to do everything he can to protect South Dakotans from Democrats’ out-of-touch, socialist fantasies. Click here to watch the video. Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, there are a few quote-unquote “winners” under Democrats’ $3.5 trillion tax-and-spending spree. “Unions, for example. “And electric vehicle manufacturers. “But there are a lot more losers. “Like middle-class families, who will have to stretch their paychecks to cover higher inflation and higher energy bills. “Workers, who will see jobs and opportunities shrink. “And farmers and ranchers. “Mr. President, agriculture is the lifeblood of my home state of South Dakota, and so ag issues are pretty much always on my mind. “And I am deeply concerned by what Democrats’ tax-and-spending spree will mean for South Dakota farmers. “For starters, I’m worried that Democrats’ bill could mean the end of some family farms thanks to the bill’s expansion of the death tax. “Mr. President, I’ve long crusaded against the death tax. “Death should not be a taxable event. “And there should be limits on how many times the government can tax the same money. “But I get particularly fired up when talking about the death tax when it comes to farmers and ranchers. “Because the death tax can threaten the existence of family farms and ranches. “Why? “Because farming and ranching are often cash-poor operations. “Farmers’ and ranchers’ money is tied up in their land, not the bank. “So a farmer could have land worth as much as several million dollars, and still struggle to break even in years where the harvest has been poor. “Then when that same farmer dies, the IRS will come in demanding a substantial portion of his estate, but since most of his money is tied up in the land, there’s a good chance that the family will not have enough money in the bank to pay the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8F741C12-4336-47AE-8172-1ACDAE2D3447 | Thune Questions Big Tech Whistleblower on Transparency and Accountability at Facebook | 2021-10-05 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today questioned Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen during a subcommittee hearing on protecting children online. Earlier this year, Thune reintroduced two bipartisan bills, the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency (PACT) Act and the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, that would help increase online transparency and accountability. Thune’s opening remarks below (as prepared for delivery) “Thank you Chairman Blumenthal and Ranking Member Blackburn for holding this important hearing. “While serving on the Commerce Committee, I’ve held hearings and introduced bipartisan bills to address these issues being discussed today. The Filter Bubble Transparency Act introduced with Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn and many other colleagues on this Committee would provide transparency around the algorithms Big Tech companies use, and it would give users the option to engage with social media platforms without being manipulated by these secret formulas that essentially dictate the content you see when you open an app or log on to a website. “It’s also clear we need to hold Big Tech accountable by reforming Section 230, and one of the best opportunities for bipartisanship on the issue is the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency or PACT Act, my legislation with Senator Schatz. Apart from stripping Section 230 protections for content that a court determines to be illegal, the PACT Act would increase transparency and due process for users around the content moderation process. Importantly, in the context of this hearing with a major Big Tech whistleblower, the PACT Act would explore the viability of a federal program for Big Tech employees to blow the whistle on wrongdoing inside the companies where they work. In my view, we should encourage employees in the tech sector to speak up about questionable practices of Big Tech companies so we can, among other things, ensure Americans are fully aware of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/count-on-your-local-paper | Count on your local paper | 2021-10-04 | 2021 | 2021-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | When I was growing up, there were a lot of things I could count on: more than one Rounds brother to a bedroom, a prayer before meals and a local newspaper in the house. I learned early on the local newspaper was not only a source of information, but also a source of income. One of my first jobs as a kid was delivering the Minneapolis Tribune. When I got my driver’s license, I began distributing papers to the other paperboys. That job required me to be up at 4 AM to meet the truck that would drop off the papers. Those were some early mornings and during the winter months I think I almost ruined dad’s Plymouth Station wagon driving through snow-packed roads and below zero temperatures with more than 500 pounds of newspapers. I’d always have one of my little brothers in the backseat helping put together the inserts so we could get done in time for 8:30 AM church. When I was in high school, I began working for the Capital Journal cleaning the presses with Derald Gross and delivering the afternoon edition of the paper to other paperboys in the area. As a young paperboy, I didn’t fully understand the importance of the newspaper I was tossing on the front step, but I certainly do today. In our fast-paced, digitally-generated news world, there is something special about picking up a local newspaper – even if you get a little “newsprint” on your hands. It’s reassuring knowing you can trust the reporter because they are a neighbor or, in most cases, a friend. A newspaper is meant to be a source of unbiased information and local newspapers in South Dakota provide just that. My office subscribes to local newspapers from across the state, and every time I get a chance, I take the opportunity to peruse them. You can learn so much from the local paper like who is getting married, who is having a birthday and who recently passed away. You can also keep up on the local sports teams and what is happening with various organizations in town. Sure you can see a lot of things on social media today, but let’s face it, most of us don… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:24:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=28DA34E9-9D9B-41D6-9C78-C7A5E55AD80E | Thune: Democrats Are in Disarray | 2021-09-30 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke about Democrats’ disastrous, out-of-touch policies that would significantly expand the federal government’s reach into South Dakotans’ everyday lives. Thune also discussed the ongoing disarray within the Democrat Party, and he noted that the Biden administration’s self-inflicted border crisis is a direct result of its own failed policies. Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, yesterday I came down to the floor to talk about President Biden’s mishandling of Afghanistan. “Today I want to talk about another situation the administration has mishandled – or, perhaps more accurately, failed to handle – the crisis at our southern border. “I say failed to handle because by and large the Biden administration has completely failed to take any meaningful action in response to this crisis. “Sure, they occasionally make half-hearted stabs at the problem. “Usually when the media starts noticing things like thousands of migrants and their children residing in a squalid refugee camp under a bridge in Del Rio, Texas. “But mostly they seem content to ignore it. “More than six months into this crisis, there is still no sign that the president plans to travel to the border to get a look at the problem firsthand. “In fact, it’s not clear whether President Biden has ever visited the border at any point during his political career. “The president seems to have adopted an ‘if I pretend the problem doesn’t exist it will go away’ attitude. “It’s kind of like earlier this year, when Biden administration officials refused to call the situation a crisis – despite overwhelming evidence that the border influx had reached crisis proportions. “It’s like they believed that if they didn’t use the word, they could somehow avoid the reality. “Unfortunately for the administration, Mr. President, there is no way to avoid the fact that we are facing a border crisis. “Last month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered 208,887 people attempting to cross our southern bor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D3D15A1D-1542-482D-8E65-5C9301804BA7 | Thune Stands Up for Consumers, Insists That Big Tech be Held Accountable | 2021-09-30 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today expressed deep concern about the lack of transparency and the limited accountability of big tech companies during a Commerce Committee hearing, titled “Protecting Kids Online: Facebook, Instagram, and Mental Health Harms.” Thune questioned Facebook’s global head of safety about the use of algorithms to influence certain behaviors online and whether consumers should have the ability to use Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms without being manipulated by algorithms. Earlier this year, Thune reintroduced two bipartisan bills, the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency (PACT) Act and the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, that would help increase online transparency and accountability. Thune’s opening remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Thank you for holding this important hearing. “I, along with many of my colleagues, are deeply concerned about the lack of consumer transparency and limited accountability of big tech companies. Consumers have become increasingly troubled about the way their information is used by social media platforms, and how these sites decide what news and information we see. “Because of the secrecy with which platforms protect their algorithms and content moderation practices, which largely has been and continues to be a black box, consumers have little or no idea how the information they see has been shaped by the sites they’re visiting. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-colleagues-introduce-the-afghanistan-counterterrorism-oversight-and-accountability-act | Rounds, Colleagues Introduce the Afghanistan Counterterrorism, Oversight and Accountability Act | 2021-09-29 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch and others introduced the Afghanistan Counterterrorism, Oversight and Accountability Act, legislation to address the outstanding issues related to the administration’s rushed and disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. “The refusal to listen to commanders on the ground, failure to provide sufficient resources to execute visa processing requirements and groupthink among senior Biden administration advisors caused the withdrawal from Afghanistan to be chaotic and deadly. Congress has an opportunity to act and address the many consequences of the president’s botched withdrawal. Our legislation prioritizes the safe evacuation of Americans and Afghan partners still stranded in Afghanistan while holding the Taliban accountable for their terrorist acts and human rights abuses. I will work with my colleagues to keep Americans safe and terrorism at bay,” said Rounds. “I’ve asked the administration for a plan and while they say they have one, they have not revealed any details of a plan. My office is still working with Special Immigrant Visa applicants who supported America’s effort in Afghanistan. Now families, including children, of these Afghans are in danger of execution. We have a responsibility to get them out. Congress has an obligation to engage in oversight of these activities. I hope the administration would work with us in passing this essential legislation in an expedient, bipartisan manner,” added Rounds. In addition to Rounds, other cosponsors of this bill include Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=620B9A68-75FB-4F9D-9E6C-99433741BD2A | Thune: Biden Ignored Top Military Commanders and Endangered Americans, Created Catastrophic Withdrawal From Afghanistan | 2021-09-29 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor in response to yesterday’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on President Biden’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. Thune discussed the revelation that President Biden’s decision to remove troops from Afghanistan on an arbitrary deadline went directly against the advice he received from his top military commanders, and he highlighted the urgent need for members of the administration to be held accountable. Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, yesterday’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing gave us disturbing new information on the president’s Afghanistan debacle. “Thanks to yesterday’s hearing, we now know that President Biden pulled troops from Afghanistan against the advice of his military commanders … and was less than truthful after the fact when asked about their recommendations. “General Milley and General McKenzie’s testimony made clear that they had both recommended that the United States leave a small contingent of U.S. troops in the country – advice the president ignored. “Mr. President, thanks to President Biden’s ill-considered withdrawal from Afghanistan, here’s the situation we find ourselves in: “The Taliban is once again in control of Afghanistan. “And just in case anyone thinks this is a kinder and gentler Taliban, let’s look at the facts. “The Taliban has stocked its government with terrorists, including former inmates of Guantanamo Bay and members of the Haqqani network – a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization with a number of members on the U.N. Security Council’s sanctions list. “Many of the members of the new Taliban Cabinet are on the U.N. Security Council’s sanctions list. “And the government is well-stocked with pre-9/11 Taliban leaders – the same leaders who allowed Afghanistan to serve as a refuge for al-Qaeda. “So that’s the new Taliban government. “What is it doing? “Well, in mid-September the Taliban announced that secondary schools would reopen … for boys. “There… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A603CEA1-DF2C-4529-827D-3E734686736B | Thune Discusses Need For Big Tech Algorithm Transparency and Platform Accountability | 2021-09-29 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, questioned witnesses about the need for more algorithm transparency during a Commerce Committee hearing, titled “Protecting Consumer Privacy.” Thune highlighted the algorithmic practices used by big tech companies to analyze consumer data. Earlier this year, Thunereintroduced the bipartisan Filter Bubble Transparency Act that would require large-scale internet platforms that collect data from more than 1 million users and gross more than $50 million per year to provide greater transparency for consumers and allow users to view content that has not been curated by a secret algorithm. Thune’s opening remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Thank you, Chair Cantwell and Ranking Member Wicker, for holding today’s hearing. I firmly believe that enacting comprehensive privacy legislation should be a top priority of this Committee. Since we began privacy conversations in the aftermath of the Cambridge Analytica scandal when I served as Chairman of this Committee, I’ve stated that there is no question we need a federal law to protect consumers’ privacy, and I do not believe we should relinquish our responsibility by simply increasing our federal bureaucracy by putting a significant amount of funding at the FTC. “So it is my hope that we can work together in a bipartisan fashion to establish a uniform national policy. I’ve pushed for more transparency about the algorithms used by big tech companies to analyze consumer data and make predictions intended to influence consumer behavior. “Many consumers are unaware that much of the content they see on internet platforms is determined by sophisticated algorithms that draw on data about each consumer’s online activity. Billions of people are being fed content on internet platforms that is basically selected for them by opaque algorithms designed to keep consumers engaged on the platform. The powerful artificial intelligence behind these platforms creates a unique un… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=24E87D49-86CB-4BF8-9811-896E42E49D38 | Democrats’ Massive Government Expansion Jeopardizes Individual Liberties | 2021-09-28 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called out Democrats for pursuing an irresponsible and reckless tax-and-spending spree that would significantly increase already high inflation and raise taxes on South Dakota families. Thune emphasized that Democrats’ massive government expansion would stifle economic growth and jeopardize individual liberty. Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, last night’s vote was an exercise in futility, as Democrats knew would be the case. “For months now, Republicans have made it clear that we will not help Democrats raise our nation’s debt limit to finance Democrats’ partisan tax-and-spending spree. “If Democrats want to pass a massive partisan tax-and-spending bill without any Republican input, they can raise the debt limit without any Republican input. “Democrats, of course, have complained that they can’t raise the debt ceiling by themselves. “The truth is that they don’t want to do it by themselves. “Democrats want the credit for their social policies and the government handouts they’re planning, but they don’t want to own the price tag. “Mr. President, Democrats are talking about engaging in a wild, reckless spending spree that will worsen our inflation problem, threaten economic growth, and substantially increase the government’s control over Americans’ lives. “Republicans can’t support that kind of legislation. “And we’re not going to help Democrats increase the credit card limit to pay for it. “If Democrats want to raise the debt limit, they’re going to have to do it by themselves. “Mr. President, I have come down to the floor more than once to talk about the reckless spending and the massive tax hikes that Democrats are planning. “And I could spend the rest of my time here on the floor today talking about the irresponsible amount of money Democrats want to spend and the tax hikes they’re proposing. “But today I want to look at things a little differently. “Mr. President, last week House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had this to say in reference to D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=866F6132-35D0-48F6-A404-72FDE68F0EC6 | Thune, Crapo, Toomey Lead Colleagues in Urging Democrats to Abandon Proposal that Would Compromise Law-Abiding Americans’ Financial Information | 2021-09-27 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.); Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance; Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and fellow Senate Republicans, including every Republican member of the Senate Committee on Finance and Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to abandon the Biden administration’s unprecedented proposal to expand the reporting of the private, confidential financial data of law-abiding Americans from financial institutions to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The administration’s proposal would force financial institutions to report customer information such as gross inflow and outflow information and transaction information directly to the IRS. “This proposal represents a radical departure from existing reporting requirements associated with national security and actual taxable events,” the senators wrote. “Placing more requirements on financial institutions would not only adversely affect these institutions and their customers – who ultimately pay the price for compliance costs – but it would also inundate the IRS with layers of new paperwork and taxpayer data that is either redundant or irrelevant to improving federal tax compliance, as account inflows and outflows are not taxable events. Simply flooding the IRS with more data and burdening taxpayers, financial institutions, and already overwhelmed IRS service centers with more paperwork is of questionable value, especially when the IRS does not effectively use data already in its possession.” “We appreciate the letter from Senator Thune and his colleagues, and it highlights many of the concerns we are hearing about this misguided proposal from bank customers,” said Rob Nichols, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association. “This plan would force banks to develop a costly new system to provide private financial data on almost every taxpayer to the IRS, not just those susp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=37597AC5-E7AA-4A56-8482-ACAD6186D9CE | Thune on GMA3: Republicans Will not Enable Democrats’ Reckless Taxing and Spending | 2021-09-23 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Good Morning America 3rd Hour to discuss the need for Democrats to raise the debt ceiling on their own as they pursue a $3.5 trillion reckless tax-and-spending spree. On Democrats’ ability to raise the debt ceiling alone: “We all believe here that the debt limit needs to be raised. The government needs to be funded. The question in the end is who delivers the votes to do that.” … “Democrats have a unified government: the White House, the House, and the Senate. And much of their agenda they're moving right now on a very partisan basis, and so our expectation is that for the new spending they want to do, the new taxing they want to do, that they should deliver the votes to raise the debt limit. And they have the wherewithal to do that, it's just, you know, at this point, it's a matter of the will to do it.” On the debt ceiling covering future spending: “All the spending that was done, people talk about the spending in the last administration, the debt limit that expired on July 31 covered that. This debt limit has to be increased to accommodate the new spending that is being proposed here by the Democrats. “They've got a proposal to spend $3.5 trillion dollars, much of which will be financed with tax increases, but some of which would have to be added to the debt. And our view is all that spending, all that taxing they're doing through a procedure that enables them to do [it] with all Democrat votes, and if they're going to do all those things with all Democrat votes without, you know, consulting or trying to work with and negotiate with Republicans, that raising the debt limit that would accommodate that additional spending is something that they ought to do with Democrat votes. “And like I said, they have unified government here in Washington, there is a procedure that enables them to do that, they have the 51 votes to deliver that, and they should just get going on it.” On how Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree will increase inflation: “We made it very… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-smith-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-promote-tribal-self-governance-for-federal-food-assistance-programs | Rounds, Smith Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Tribal Self-Governance for Federal Food Assistance Programs | 2021-09-22 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow tribes in South Dakota and across the country to have greater control over how federal hunger programs are administered. The SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act would give tribal governments the ability to administer the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (commonly known as SNAP) through self-governance contracts. The bill would make sure that SNAP is run in a culturally-appropriate way that promotes the health and economic well-being of tribal communities. Approximately 25 percent of Native Americans receive some type of federal food assistance, and in some tribal communities, participation is as high as 80 percent. “Our legislation would allow tribes the ability to administer SNAP to meet the specific needs of their communities,” said Rounds. “This added flexibility would create additional opportunities for tribes to strengthen local food economies and promote the inclusion of indigenous foods. I am glad to join Senator Smith to remove some of the federal bureaucracy that hinders tribal communities in South Dakota and across the nation.” “Tribal governments understand what works best in Tribal communities and should have more say over how SNAP is administered,” said Smith. “The SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act is about promoting Tribal sovereignty and helping Tribes fight hunger in a way that works best for them.” The legislation is supported by the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association and the Four Bands Community Fund. “American Indians and Alaskan Natives need the opportunity to administer their own federal food programs. Our Tribes are proximate to the resources, cultural knowledge, families and are uniquely vested in the long-term health of Indian Country. This important legislation will provide localized control over our food ecosystems and enhance our economic well-being as well as our community health,” said Lako… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B458FFB8-BFC1-432F-8BB1-C94C44185BFD | Thune: Democrats Push Radical Federal Takeover Agenda | 2021-09-22 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about legislation that would restrict states’ rights and grow the power of the federal government. Thune highlighted how Democrats’ misguided proposals would put the federal government in charge of elections and eliminate states’ pro-life laws. Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, federal takeovers are being discussed in both the House and the Senate this week. “The Democrat leader has announced that the Senate will once again be taking up legislation to put the federal government – instead of states – in charge of elections. “Meanwhile, over in the House, representatives are expected to vote on legislation to eliminate essentially all state restrictions on abortion – no matter how modest or widely supported. “So what’s up with the federal takeovers? “Well, Democrats have been pushing election legislation – H.R. 1, the “For the People Act” – for multiple years now. “This radical legislation would provide for a massive federal takeover of our electoral system, chill free speech, and turn the Federal Election Commission – the primary enforcer of election law in this country – into a partisan body, among other dangerous measures. “And the reason for this radical legislation? “Well, as even some Democrats have implicitly admitted, this legislation is designed to make it easier for Democrats to win elections. “Fast forward to last week. “With H.R. 1 unable to pass the Senate, some Democrats produced a modified version of this legislation – the For the People Act “Lite.” “And while I appreciate their efforts, unfortunately, as the Republican leader said yesterday morning, “This latest version is only a compromise in the sense that the center-left compromised with the far left.” “Or as the Wall Street Journal editorial board put it this morning, “Calling this bill slimmed down … is like touting your healthy choices after you order a Diet Coke with four Big Macs.” “The For the People Act “Lite” would still impose troubling … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5A5F5821-6D53-4122-B464-37F24D93A854 | Thune: Democrats’ Tax-and-Spending Spree Would Have South Dakotans Footing the Bill | 2021-09-21 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today warned that the cost of the Democrats’ proposed $3.5 trillion tax-and-spending spree would ultimately fall on the backs of hard-working, middle-income families. Thune noted that Democrats continue to be unfazed by their reckless spending proposals and job-killing tax hikes. Excerpt of Thune’s remarks below: “Mr. President, inflation is rapidly becoming a serious problem. “Currently inflation is near a 13-year high, and has outstripped wage growth for many Americans, including the lowest-earning workers. “In other words, the rise in the price of everything from goods to groceries has resulted in a de facto pay cut for American workers. “So why are we experiencing this level of inflation? “Well, one big reason is Democrats’ decision in March to flood the economy with unnecessary government spending. “President Biden and congressional Democrats took office mere weeks after Congress had approved a fifth bipartisan COVID relief bill. “And it was abundantly clear that we were not in immediate need of trillions more in government spending. “But that didn’t matter to Democrats. “Now that they were in control of Congress and the White House, they wanted to take advantage of the COVID crisis. “And so in the name of “COVID relief,” they pushed through a massive, partisan piece of legislation filled with unnecessary spending and handouts to Democrat interest groups. “Schools – which had barely touched the tens of billions they’d already been given – got billions more. “State governments – the majority of which did not need more government assistance – got access to a staggering $350 billion slush fund. “Labor unions were made eligible for loans designed to rescue Main Street small businesses. “I could go on. “Mr. President, at the time, Republicans warned about the bill’s level of spending. “And we weren’t alone. “More than one liberal economist warned that pouring that much money into the economy at that time could result in inflation. “And six months later, here we are… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A1962566-74FC-4D62-99B9-DB289079A162 | Thune to Neil Cavuto: Democrats Aren’t Going to get Bipartisan Help to Enable Partisan Spending | 2021-09-21 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined “Your World With Neil Cavuto” to discuss Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree and the need for them to increase the debt limit on their own. On Democrats’ push for massive government expansion and tax hikes: “[Democrats] run the whole government. They’ve got the House. They’ve got the Senate. They’ve got the White House. They can pass an increase in the debt limit to accommodate this massive run-up in spending that they want to do and do it with Democrat votes. Republicans are not going to be complicit in or enable one of the biggest expansions of government and biggest tax increases that we have ever seen in history.” … “The debt limit needs to be increased. It’s just a question of who provides the votes to do it. And, as you point out, in the past, there have been times where there’s been a bipartisan negotiation that put caps on spending, and included a debt limit increase. Typically, that’s done in a time of divided government. “And when we have been in charge of the government, we have been responsible for trying to make a deal to get the votes. What we’re saying here is, they run the House, the Senate, and the White House. They run all of government, and they are trying to pass with 51 votes the largest expansion of government – one of the largest expansions of government in history, and one of the largest tax increases in history. “Why should Republicans be expected to deliver votes to increase the debt limit to accommodate all that new spending? They can do it at 51. They should do it at 51. And our members are going to insist that they do.” … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-112-million-grant-awarded-to-south-dakota-school-of-mines-and-technology-for-dod-cold-weather-research | Rounds Announces $11.2 Million Grant Awarded to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for DoD Cold Weather Research | 2021-09-15 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has been awarded a $11.2 million grant to partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineer Research and Development Center’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL). This new project called “Materials and Manufacturing for Cold Regions” will be conducted over a five-year time span, with funding going to faculty and student research at the School of Mines from multiple engineering and science disciplines. The team will develop advanced materials and manufacturing technology in support of the U.S. Army’s global military objectives in cold and remote regions. “I congratulate South Dakota School of Mines and the Army Corps of Engineers on this important collaborative research effort,” said Rounds. “Thanks to the work that has already begun, the conditions have been set for the research team to design enduring systems and processes for use in cold and remote conditions. The success of this vital program is critical to the joint force’s ability to meet National Defense Strategy objectives to fight and win in extreme cold weather environments.” “U.S. Senator Mike Rounds along with members of the US Senate Armed Services Committee and other members of our congressional delegation have been instrumental in supporting this sort of research that is critical for our military to protect the nation’s interests in cold regions of the world,” said Dr. Grant Crawford, professor of materials and metallurgical engineering at South Dakota Mines. “Through this partnership we will apply materials and manufacturing research expertise and infrastructure, developed over the past two decades by numerous Mines faculty, staff and students, to support the critical needs of our nation’s armed forces. It’s a perfect opportunity for us and we look forward to the new partnership.” “This research has the potential to be a win-win,” said Dr. Jim Rankin, President of the South Dakota Mines. “It will aid our nation’s … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-crapo-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-taxpayer-rights-and-privacy | Rounds, Crapo, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Taxpayer Rights and Privacy | 2021-09-15 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senate and U.S. House of Representatives colleagues to introduce the Tax Gap Reform and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Enforcement Act. “I have heard from thousands of South Dakotans concerned about the proposed expansion of the IRS and the impacts it has on Americans’ financial privacy—I share their concerns,” said Rounds. “Rather than seeking massive funding increases and unprecedented access to taxpayer bank accounts, the IRS should focus on improving its internal policies to close the tax gap. The Tax Gap Reform and IRS Enforcement Act establishes critical safeguards to help prevent IRS abuses and protect taxpayer privacy.” Background: Under the guise of closing the “tax gap,” Democrats are seeking to increase IRS funding by a massive $80 billion over the next 10 years to expand “enforcement and compliance activities” at the IRS, and to create a “comprehensive financial account information reporting regime,” under which gross inflows and outflows of taxpayers’ financial accounts are reported by banks and other financial intermediaries to the IRS, effectively forcing them to act as IRS agents. In addition to Rounds, other original Senate cosponsors include John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.). Key provisions of the Tax Gap Reform and IRS Enforcement Act: Tax Gap Reform: Requires timely, annually-updated information on tax gap estimates in coordination with the Joint Committee on Taxation. Taxpayer Protection: Prevents the IRS from targeting Americans for their political and ideological beliefs, codifies President Biden’s pledge to not increase audits of taxpayers making less than $400,000 per year, and prohibits the establishment of new bank reporting requirements. Smarter Enforcement: Requ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-encourages-high-school-seniors-to-submit-applications-for-nomination-to-us-service-academies | Rounds Encourages High School Seniors to Submit Applications for Nomination to U.S. Service Academies | 2021-09-15 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PIERRE—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that all nomination applications to our nation’s service academies for the fall 2022 semester are due by October 1, 2021. “Each year, I am honored to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “By attending an academy, not only will students have the opportunity to serve our nation and help lead the best military in the world, but they will receive an excellent education at a top-notch institution. I encourage young South Dakotans looking to answer the call of duty to consider applying to one of our military academies.” Applications for the 2022-2023 freshman class (Class of 2026) are due October 1, 2021. Nominations are available for the following institutions: the United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and United States Merchant Marines Academy. Those interested in learning about the academy application process can reach out to Tyler Tordsen in our Sioux Falls office at Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov or call (605) 336-0486. An informational packet and the application packet can be found on our website, https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-rounds-on-fox-news-president-biden-made-a-very-serious-mistake-that-cost-american-lives | ICYMI: Rounds on Fox News: President Biden Made a Very Serious Mistake That Cost American Lives | 2021-09-14 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, joined Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom this morning to discuss the upcoming Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing with Secretary of State Blinken on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The hearing begins this morning at 10 AM ET/ 9 AM CT/ 8 AM MT. Excerpts from Senator Rounds’ interview below: PERINO: What have you not heard the administration answer so far that you would like to get to the bottom to? ROUNDS: Right now they said they have about 124,000 individuals that they’ve helped get out. The problem is that out of the 124,000, about half of them, we don’t know who they are. There’s between 5,000-6,000 Americans they said they’ve helped out. There’s about half of the remaining 124,000 that are SIVs—Special Immigration Visas. But the remaining numbers, we don’t know who they are. We want to find out who those individuals are and how they were allowed to come out. We’ve got literally 100,000 more individuals who helped our men and women in uniform over the last twenty years. Their lives are at risk. We don’t know where they’re at. We are not getting good answers from the Department of State as to how we are going to help them get out of Afghanistan alive. … HEMMER: …this whole idea about the deadline—that was moved by the current administration and so the debate goes to what was their plan to get out? ROUNDS: The previous administration, under President Trump, was set up to do a conditions-based withdrawal. There were changes being made. The Taliban has not lived up to their side of the deals that were being made. This administration had every opportunity to modify a withdrawal. When Joe Biden decided to arbitrarily set a date and set it without regard to whether or not the Taliban was honoring their side of the commitment so far and was not based on conditions on the ground, he made a very serious mistake and it’s cost American lives. … ROUNDS: …today with the Secreta… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-presses-secretary-of-state-on-lack-of-strategy-in-afghanistan-withdrawal-decision-pushes-for-plan-moving-forward | Rounds Presses Secretary of State on Lack of Strategy in Afghanistan Withdrawal Decision, Pushes for Plan Moving Forward | 2021-09-14 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, pressed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the lack of strategy in the decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan. When pressed by Senator Rounds, Secretary Blinken failed to provide insight into the United States’ strategy to combat adversaries and uphold American interests abroad. Rounds also requested a classified briefing with the Secretary of State to gain a better understanding of the department’s plans. Watch Senator Rounds’ questioning here. Excerpts from today’s hearing below: ROUNDS: Our adversaries, Mr. Secretary, are celebrating the departure of U.S. troops, and they are most certainly celebrating the creation of a power vacuum. Most certainly they are also prepared to take this opportunity and use it to their advantage. China has announced last week that it will send $31 million worth of aid to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. There have also been reports that they are looking at Bagram Air Base for their own use. The Russian Embassy in Afghanistan has remained opened and the ambassador met with Taliban leadership after the takeover. Pakistan is considering the Taliban government as a partner to counter India, and the Iranian president openly called this an “American military defeat” and is considering working with the Taliban. Did the Administration consider all of these foreign policy implications before such an abrupt withdrawal? And, if they did, does the Department [of State] have a strategy to counter our adversaries malign influence in the region? BLINKEN: We certainly did. We factored everything into the decisions we made, including the impact it might have on the neighboring countries, regional countries and others with various interests in Afghanistan. A number of the countries that you cited have a whole series of different interests in Afghanistan, to include making sure that it is not a place for terrorism directed against them, to ensure that it is not a source of drugs flo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=62FFEAC4-0EDB-489E-951E-12142E0E7566 | Thune, Crapo Introduce Legislation to Recover Fraudulent COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Benefits | 2021-09-14 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance, today introduced the Recovering Fraudulent Claims Act. This legislation would establish the COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force to investigate alleged instances of fraud in the temporary unemployment insurance programs established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (P.L. 116-136) in March 2020. Further, this bill would require the Task Force to report back to Congress on its findings and provide insight into the amount of fraudulent unemployment insurance payments that have been recovered since the establishment of these programs and the number of individuals who have been prosecuted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Americans deserve to know where their hard-earned tax dollars are going, plain and simple,” said Thune. “Unfortunately, substantial amounts of fraudulent payments have been made through the COVID-19 unemployment insurance programs. This commonsense legislation would improve current federal efforts to recover these fraudulent payments and hold those at fault responsible.” “Criminals have stolen hundreds of billions of dollars from funds that were intended to help those experiencing hardship during the pandemic,” said Crapo. “We must make every effort to protect American taxpayers from further abuse, and this bill will bolster the effectiveness of the task force that was established to do so.” In June 2021, Axios reported that more than $400 billion in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims had potentially been issued through the COVID-19 unemployment insurance programs. In addition, the Foundation for Government Accountabilityalso estimated in June 2021 that the total amount of fraud through these unemployment programs could surpass $300 billion. As a result of unprecedented fraud in the COVID-19 unemployment insurance programs, the U.S. Department of Justice established the National Unemployment Ins… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=86036037-DD85-4791-9CB3-4FDB9CF40A43 | Thune: Biden’s Disastrous Afghanistan Withdrawal Emboldens Terrorists, Abandons Americans and Allies | 2021-09-14 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called for Congress to conduct a thorough investigation into the Biden administration’s disastrous and chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. With the nation having recently marked the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Thune reiterated that the service and sacrifice of those American troops who served in Afghanistan was not in vain. Thune also discussed the Democrats’ out-of-control spending in Washington, D.C., and the urgent need to prevent saddling future generations with burdensome debt. On the Democrats’ out-of-control spending and debt (excerpt): “There’s a way in which the reconciliation procedure can be used to raise the debt limit to pay for all the new spending that the Democrats have in this bill. “So, when they get down here and talk about how important it is for this to be bipartisan, well, it would be one thing if there was actually any kind of a bipartisan negotiation going on, but there isn’t. “The last time the debt limit was raised, there was in 2019 – and at that time it was about caps. It was about reducing spending – there was a bipartisan agreement to reduce spending as the debt limit was being increased. “The other thing I would mention, Mr. President, in response to what the majority leader said earlier, is that the debt that was accumulated in the previous administration – much of which was done on a bipartisan basis in response to the biggest pandemic that this country has seen in 100 years. In March of 2020, $4.5 trillion of that debt was put on the bill because of a bipartisan agreement that was reached, as I said earlier, 96 to zero. Ninety-six to zero was the vote here in the United States Senate. “So, Democrats want to go down this path. They want to spend, spend, spend like there’s no tomorrow; and tax, tax, tax like there’s no tomorrow; and borrow, borrow, borrow like there’s no tomorrow; then they ought to pay, pay, pay with their votes when it comes to raising the debt limit and unfortunately handing the bill f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3CB8BD2A-1DC1-4819-B2B4-EF22A8A748B7 | Thune Reflects on 20th Anniversary of September 11 Terrorist Attacks | 2021-09-10 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement reflecting on the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001: “Twenty years ago, the worst of the world was met by the best of America. Nearly 3,000 men and women lost their lives in the cowardly terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, a day that touched each and every one of us. Our country has never stopped grieving that horrible loss, but we responded with two decades of American resolve and resilience. Everyday Americans, first responders, and the members of the Armed Forces who fought back against the terrorists have been united in purpose to protect our American way of life. Twenty years after that horrible day, I join all Americans in remembering the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and thanking the men and women who continue to defend our freedoms at home and abroad. We will never forget.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-president-biden-withdrawing-nomination-of-david-chipman-as-director-of-atf | Rounds Statement on President Biden Withdrawing Nomination of David Chipman as Director of ATF | 2021-09-09 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PIERRE – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) released the following statement after President Biden withdrew the nomination of David Chipman as the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “David Chipman’s out-of-touch, anti-gun views threatened the Second Amendment rights of thousands of law-abiding South Dakotans,” said Rounds. “Throughout his career and during his hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chipman made derogatory comments toward lawful gun owners and made clear his intent to undermine Americans’ constitutional rights. Chipman’s radical positions on gun ownership undoubtedly threatened the outdoor heritage that South Dakotans have enjoyed for generations. It is important for President Biden to now nominate an individual who will respect the Second Amendment, reject burdensome federal regulations and work alongside our nation’s sportsmen.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thune-colleagues-announce_bipartisan-american-beef-labeling-act-to-reinstate-mandatory-country-of-origin-labeling | Rounds, Thune, Colleagues Announce Bipartisan American Beef Labeling Act to Reinstate Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling | 2021-09-08 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), today announced the American Beef Labeling Act, legislation that would reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. This legislation, which will be formally introduced next week, would require the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, to develop a World Trade Organization-compliant means of reinstating MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment. USTR would have six months to develop a reinstatement plan followed by a six-month window to implement it. If USTR fails to reinstate MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment, it would automatically be reinstated for beef only. “It’s time to restore Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) once and for all,” said Rounds. “This is an important step in restoring market integrity for consumers and cattle producers. For too long, the packers have skewed this market in their favor. Now, we take it back. I’m thankful to my colleagues for helping carry this important issue for consumers and cattle producers. I’ve long said that consumers will need to drive and help carry this policy debate. For those of us who support MCOOL for beef, this is just the start. The nine major cattle producing states won’t get this done alone. We need a national campaign to see this over the finish line.” “Transparency in labeling benefits both producers and consumers,” said Thune. “Unfortunately, the current beef labeling system in this country allows imported beef that is neither born nor raised in the United States, but simply finished here, to be labeled as a product of the USA. This process is unfair to cattle producers and misleading for consumers. When you see a ‘product of the USA’ label on the grocery store shelf, it should mean just that. South Dakota cattle producers work tirelessly to produce some of the highest quality beef in the world. The pandemic has only highlighted their important role in … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B2E3FB85-5C30-4485-B679-5868F1250158 | Bipartisan American Beef Labeling Act Would Reinstate Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling | 2021-09-08 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), today announced the American Beef Labeling Act, legislation that would reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. This legislation, which will be formally introduced next week, would require the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, to develop a World Trade Organization-compliant means of reinstating MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment. USTR would have six months to develop a reinstatement plan followed by a six-month window to implement it. If USTR fails to reinstate MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment, it would automatically be reinstated for beef only. “Transparency in labeling benefits both producers and consumers,” said Thune. “Unfortunately, the current beef labeling system in this country allows imported beef that is neither born nor raised in the United States, but simply finished here, to be labeled as a product of the USA. This process is unfair to cattle producers and misleading for consumers. When you see a ‘product of the USA’ label on the grocery store shelf, it should mean just that. “South Dakota cattle producers work tirelessly to produce some of the highest quality beef in the world. The pandemic has only highlighted their important role in our domestic food supply and the urgent need to strengthen it. To ensure the viability of cattle ranching in this country, the system in which producers operate must be fair and transparent. As a long-time supporter of MCOOL, I am proud to introduce this legislation, which will move us one step closer to making that a reality.” “Montana ranchers raise the best cattle in the world, and it’s time American families are guaranteed the right to know whether their beef is from Broadus or Brazil,” said Tester. “This bipartisan legislation will make sure consumers know when they’re buying American beef at the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AA546181-4CD0-4E92-853C-F04BC9D14476 | Selection Process for United States Senate Youth Program is Underway | 2021-09-01 | 2021 | 2021-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today announced the annual statewide selection process for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) has begun. Two South Dakota high school juniors or seniors will join student delegates from around the country to participate in the USSYP’s 60th annual Washington Week, which will take place March 5-12, 2022, in Washington, D.C. “The U.S. Senate Youth Program is an incredible opportunity for student leaders in South Dakota to learn firsthand about the inner workings of the U.S. government, policy making, and public service,” said Thune. “This program is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I encourage all student leaders across the state to apply.” Each of the student delegates will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for next year’s program. During their trip to Washington, student delegates will potentially visit Capitol Hill, the White House, the Pentagon, and the Supreme Court, among other locations, and will meet with policymakers, which in the past have included members of Congress, the president, and cabinet secretaries. Students interested in applying for next year’s program can find more information by visiting the South Dakota Department of Education website or by contacting Mark Gageby (mark.gageby@state.sd.us), the South Dakota selection administrator, or their school’s principal. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, September 24, 2021. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:17:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-speaks-at-dedication-ceremony-for-the-m-michael-rounds-operations-center-building-at-the-sanford-underground-research-facility | Rounds Speaks at Dedication Ceremony for the M. Michael Rounds Operations Center Building at the Sanford Underground Research Facility | 2021-08-20 | 2021 | 2021-08 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | LEAD—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today attended and spoke at the dedication ceremony for Sanford Underground Research Facility’s newest building, the M. Michael Rounds Operation Center (ROC) building. “This is truly an honor,” said Rounds. “I am grateful to have worked with so many people who made the dream of transforming the Homestake Mine into an underground laboratory a reality. This project—which is such an important part of the community of Lead, the Black Hills and the entire state of South Dakota—would not be possible without the strong support of the South Dakota state legislature, the people of South Dakota, Denny Sanford, the Barrick Gold Corporation and the international community of scientific researchers. I’m humbled to be recognized in this fashion.” Background courtesy of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF): As governor, Rounds’ efforts to develop an underground research laboratory in the former Homestake Mine resulted in the creation of a world-class research facility that hosts international experiments in several disciplines. SURF was created with funding from the State of South Dakota and T. Denny Sanford. Current SURF operations funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The work at SURF has brought international recognition for the community of Lead and the State of South Dakota. The Rounds Operations Center (ROC) is a new 26,000-square-foot structure, a hub for all SURF operations and engineering activities in support of SURF’s world-leading science. The ROC includes a large maintenance shop, main warehouse, and offices and meeting spaces for facility maintenance and engineering staff. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:11:17Z |
Advanced export
JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object
CREATE TABLE [releases] (
[url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
[title] TEXT,
[date] TEXT,
[year] TEXT,
[month] TEXT,
[party] TEXT,
[chamber] TEXT,
[state] TEXT,
[member_name] TEXT,
[bioguide_id] TEXT,
[domain] TEXT,
[scraper] TEXT,
[source] TEXT,
[date_source] TEXT,
[text] TEXT,
[has_text] INTEGER,
[collected_at] TEXT,
[updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);